Issued by: SA Communication Service
STATEMENT ON AWARD OF THE ORDER OF GOOD HOPE, CLASS II: GRAND OFFICER, TO AMBASSADOR BRUNO CABRAS, AMBASSADOR OF ITALY IN SOUTH AFRICA
In recognition of Ambassador Cabras' considerable contribution to the promotion of bilateral relations between South Africa and Italy, 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 Bruno Cabras, Ambassador of Italy 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 Bruno Cabras was instrumental, following the 1994 democratic elections, in consolidating and strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Italy. Through his active contri- butions he assisted in having the Italian legislature repeal as a matter of urgency the remaining sanction legislation which was introduced against South Africa during the apartheid years. This legislation was specifically aimed at curtailing trade between the two countries. During his period of office he was also instrumental in directing and implementing the policies of the Italian Government towards South Africa, aimed at increasing trade and investment between South Africa and Italy.
In pursuance of increased trade opportunities, Ambassador Cabras strengthened the role and function of the Italian trade office in Johannesburg and he arranged working visits for a number of trade delegations. During Ambassador Cabras' term in office bilateral trade grew by twenty two percent, establishing Italy as South Africa's fifth largest trading partner. The Ambassador also pursued with vigour the conclusion of a number of bilateral agreements which contributed to a strong framework within which relations between Italy and South Africa could be conducted. These included the Reciprocal Protection of Investments, a Military Protocol and a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
Ambassador Cabras endeavoured to assist the process of negotia- tions between South Africa and the European Union aimed at the concluding of a comprehensive bilateral agreement. He encouraged Italy, as a leading member of the EU, to build on the developmental nature of such an agreement.
Under the guidance of Mr Cabras, the Italian Embassy consoli- dated its relations with the dynamic and entrepreneurial Italian community in South Africa. He encouraged Italian-South Africans to contribute to the emerging democracy and the Reconstruction and Development Programme.
Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will be presenting the Order to Ambassador Cabras on Tuesday, 27 January 1998.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 27 JANUARY 1998