The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, will depart South Africa on Friday, 1 July 2014, to represent His Excellency President Jacob Zuma at the inauguration ceremony of the President-Elect, Mahomed Ould Abdel Aziz, of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, scheduled for Saturday, 2 August 2014 in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
The inauguration ceremony is the culmination of the 21 June 2014 elections that saw the incumbent President re-elected for a second term with more that 80% majority vote.
South Africa made a constructive contribution in Mauritania in support of the implementation of the democratic roadmap undertaken by the military transitional government following the coup d’état of August 2005. These efforts contributed to the restoration of constitutional order and stability in Mauritania leading to South Africa’s support for the lifting of the African Union’s (AU) suspension of the country on 10 April 2007.
In terms of economic relations, progress has been recorded between the two countries in the areas of fisheries and mining. In addition, the Economic Cooperation Agreement that is ready for signature will facilitate the opening of trade and investment opportunities for the two countries.
President Abdel Ould Aziz appointed a Special Envoy to represent him during the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma on 24 May 2014. Deputy President Ramaphosa will return to South Africa on Saturday, 2 August 2014.
Enquiries:
Mr Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
