The main focus of the South African Embassy in Ireland is to promote South Africa’s interests and to strive for the improvement of relations with Ireland. Currently we have a very good relationship with Ireland which in no small measure is based on Ireland’s strong support in the pre-democracy struggle against the apartheid system in South Africa. We have a structured bilateral relationship with Ireland which will hopefully later this year be elevated to the level of a Joint Commission for Cooperation. We not only have good political relations with Ireland but also cooperate in multilateral fora and there is close contact with regard to education where Ireland is supporting South African students through the Kader Asmal Fellowship. There are furthermore good cultural and sporting links between the two countries.