Your Excellency, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, Mr Matti Vanhanen
Ministers
Deputy Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corp
Business leaders
Ladies and gentlemen
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to South Africa and I trust you will enjoy your stay in the Fairest Cape.
The relationship between the governments of South Africa and Finland is cordial and productive. We regard Finland as a true friend of South Africa both on a bilateral and regional level. Our countries share common values of democracy, respect for human rights and social justice and we continue to build our good relationship on these principles.
As a country and indeed the world, we have just celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the release of President Nelson Mandela. In this regard, we are heartened by the contributions made by Finland both before 1994 and since then as a friend and partner of the South African people.
Your visit creates an opportunity for both sides to examine the scope of our relations over a wide field. Political, economic, social and development cooperation issues are reviewed holistically, so that our relations can develop to the mutual benefit of both parties.
Science, technology and innovation are vital to the development of South Africa as well as the whole African continent. Bridging the digital divide is essential for the success of the development of Africa. On a bilateral level, Finnish projects in South Africa are greatly appreciated. Their scope and impact cannot go unnoticed.
We appreciate that you have brought a business delegation with you and we hope that their presence will lead to fruitful future initiatives so as to develop and expand our relations further.
May our discussions prove productive for both our respective governments, and may they further deepen the long-established friendship between the governments and the peoples of South Africa and Finland.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Vusi Mona
Cell: 082 047 2260
Issued by: The Presidency
18 March 2010
Source: Sapa
