Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON AWARD OF THE ORDER OF GOOD HOPE, CLASS II: GRAND OFFICER, TO AMBASSADOR ERWAN FOUERE, AMBASSADOR OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN SOUTH AFRICA
In recognition of Ambassador Fouere's considerable contribution to the promotion of the important partnership between South Africa and the European Union, and as an indication of the respect and appreciation of the Government and the People of South AFRICA, President Mandela has awarded the Order of Good Hope, Class II: Grand Officer, to Ambassador Erwan Fouere, Ambassador of the European Commission in South Africa.
The Order of Good Hope is the highest award with which the Republic of South Africa honours citizens of other countries, who have, through their efforts, contributed towards the well-being of the people of the Republic of South Africa and who, thereby, deserve respect and recognition by the Republic of South Africa.
Ambassador Fouere has consistently shown great understanding for the needs of South Africa, both before the advent of the new democratic government and thereafter. Having been responsible for the opening of the Delegation of the European Commission in South Africa, he had to start off with an almost non-existent infrastructure, but he succeeded in a very short time-span, to build a unique relationship across a wide spectrum of interest groups in South Africa. He successfully gave practical effect to the generous development cooperation, which was afforded by the EU to the new South Africa. This amounted in total to ECU 382.5 million (1 ECU = R5.5), which was allocated until the end of 1997, with a further ECU 127.5 million for 1998, which has already been fully allocated to development projects. In addition, soft loans to the tune of ECU 675 million have, over the period 1995 to 1999, been made available by the European Investment Bank to South Africa.
The negotiations pertaining to the Long-term Bilateral Agreement between the EU and South Africa were initiated during Ambassador Fouere's term of office. He was instrumental in assisting the Parties in reaching the point at which negotiations on the Bilateral Agreement may now be finalised in the foreseeable future.
Ambassador Fouere travelled widely in South Africa, demonstrating great enthusiasm and support for a wide range of substantial development projects sponsored by the EU. He excelled in his contacts with ordinary people and was always responsive to their needs. He has actively supported a great variety of cultural exchanges and played a significant role in the development and wide recognition of local talent.
Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will be presenting the Order to Ambassador Fouere at a reception at the Diplomatic Guest House, 210 Matroosbergweg, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria at 12:45 on Tuesday, 13 January 1998. The media is kindly invited to attend.
For further information please call Pieter Swanepoel on 083-225-0209
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 13 JANUARY 1998