Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe concluded his working visit to New Zealand this evening, 11 September 2011.
The first leg of his visit was in Auckland where he met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Right Honourable John Key. The two principals discussed issues relating to the strengthening of bilateral relations between South Africa and New Zealand.
The Deputy President attended the 2011 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and watched the opening match between New Zealand and Tonga.
In Wellington, Deputy President Motlanthe met with the Springbok team at their camp to give them moral support ahead of their opening World Cup game against Wales.
At the business luncheon, Deputy President interacted with business communities from South Africa and New Zealand. In his closing remarks he thanked the government of New Zealand for hosting him and emphasised that his working visit marks the beginning of a partnership that will in future help in the development of Africa.
Before he departed for South Africa, Deputy President attended the Rugby World Cup match where South Africa played against Wales.
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