Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town, 31 May 2001
Your Excellency, Prime Minister Jospin,
Cabinet Ministers & Government Officials,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Allow me to convey, on behalf of the South African Government and its people, our sincere sentiment of deep friendship to you, your delegation and the people of France.
I would like to pay tribute to your country and its people for their support during our liberation struggle. Your former President and Mrs Mitterrand hold a special place in our history for their tireless efforts.
Allow me also to pay homage to your country for the sustained support in the post-liberation period. Countries such as France, that have well-established democracies, offer many lessons for our young democracy in South Africa and for those in the rest of the continent. Your continued support and close encouragement therefore can only be to our benefit.
As we all know, democracy needs economic development and growth to have a chance to take root and flourish. We all know also that for economic development to take place, there needs to be economic, social and political stability in place.
France's support and call to other developed nations, particularly those in Europe is therefore an appropriate one to ensure that the legacy of underdevelopment in African countries that is, in the main, not of their doing, is reversed.
Former colonial powers played a big role in shaping the condition that many African countries find themselves in today. Therefore, they must and should play a greater role in the continent's efforts to reshape itself.
In this regard, we appreciate the support of countries such as yours, Your Excellency, in our campaigns for peace on the African continent. It is our view that an economically empowered Africa will be in a better position to sustain its move towards democratic rule and a culture of good governance, and where democracy has been established, to ensure that it is sustained.
Your statement that France "is a loyal and respectful friend of Africa ... bound by ancient, yet ever stronger ties" earlier today gave us hope that we can count on your support.
Mr Prime Minister, As you have noted in your address to our parliament, South Africa enjoys many historical linkages with France dating back centuries. Our country will be hosting the 3rd International Huguenot Conference from 25-27 September 2002 in Stellenbosch and Franschoek, the theme of which will be: "The Huguenots: Origins, settlement and influence - the story of a refugee people."
The French Huguenots, who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope towards the end of the 17th century, consisted of a fraction of the large-scale Protestant flight from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685.
Their numbers (approximately one sixth of the free citizen population) were, however, substantial enough to have a considerable influence and to leave a lasting impression in the young Dutch settlement at the Cape.
A hard working and industrious people, they brought with them expertise in viticulture, which improved the quality of the Cape wines notably as I am certain you will witness during your stay. Their contribution was not confined to the wine industry, as their contribution to the Cape settlements extended to fields such as education, technology, agriculture, culture and religion.
It is worth noting that the modern French citizen is still as strong a partner, not only in these fields, but also in the overall efforts of our country and our continent.
Mr Prime Minister, We have long held the view that, while globalisation brings about many benefits to the world and particularly to developing nations as you mentioned in your address, its unchecked advance poses a threat to developing nations as well as developed nations. The position of France that globalisation should be brought under control is therefore a welcome one.
We appreciate your support for our call for affordable drugs for AIDS sufferers and we welcome your proposal for a twinning programme between hospitals in France and the rest of Europe and hospitals in Africa.
Your Excellency, our scientists are hard at work searching for a HIV vaccine, working together with the International Vaccine Initiative.
France's call for a global approach to this epidemic is indeed welcome, as we believe that the HIV/AIDS phenomenon is a multifaceted one that needs a multi-pronged approach if we are to find a lasting solution to it.
In conclusion, let me express our appreciation for your visit. We are convinced that it will further deepen existing relations between our two countries. I believe that it will go a long way towards intensifying trade and investment and harmonising our countries' political approach on important international matters.
Allow me, Mr Prime Minister, to offer a toast to you and to the people of France - that relations between our two countries may continue to grow.
To France and South Africa!