The South African Government welcomes the outcome of the Mozambican elections and joins the international community in congratulating the people of Mozambique for the successful Presidential and parliamentary elections held in that country recently.
In congratulating President Chissano and the ruling Frelimo, South African President Thabo Mbeki said: " The people of Mozambique have once again demonstrated their unwavering endorsement and belief in democratic governance and this should serve as an encouragement to countries aspiring for democratic rule". The President further urged all parties which participated in the elections to respect the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of democratic institutions and accept the elections outcome, which has been declared free and fair by the Mozambican National Electoral Commission and the International Observer Mission.
For the past three years the Mozambican economy has been one of the fastest growing in the world and the country enjoys peace and stability. "South Africa looks forward to continuing strengthening our economic co-operation with the government of Mozambique in our common quest to improve the lives of the peoples of our two countries", Mbeki said.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
22 DECEMBER 1999