23 January 2002
Director of Ceremonies
President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mrs Rau
The President of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Captains of Commerce and Industry
Members of the Diplomatic Corp
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great pleasure for me to be here tonight, on this special occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. May you grow from strength to strength.
We meet here tonight two months after our last meeting with the Chamber in November, and for the second time since our last, and very successful Bi-National Commission meeting in Germany, last July. As always, it is a happy and heartening occasion to meet with our German counterparts and friends.
Mr President, let me repeat the warm welcome extended to you and your entourage by President Mbeki upon your arrival in the country.
These occasions are an illustration of the great bond of friendship that exists between our two countries, and that extends to the business communities and peoples of our two countries.
The faith and confidence of the approximately three hundred and seventy German-owned companies in South Africa, providing more than 65 000 jobs, with an annual turnover of R26 billion, is a clear barometer of the depth of our friendship.
Mr President, our friendship is also strengthened by our common pursuit of a new world order that is just, fair and peaceful.
We are committed to a world order that gives a meaningful voice to the developing nations of the world in institutions like the UN, IMF, WTO and World Bank. A world order that must see greater equity in the political and economic relations between the North and the South.
We also share a vision of a world order in which global efforts and solutions will drastically reduce, and eventually eradicate, the incidence of poverty, hunger, disease and conflicts.
Your visit, Mr President, exemplifies the importance of strengthening our friendship, and will provide greater impetus for even closer co-operation in future.
These ties will prove imperative as we jointly tackle international issues, through interventions such as the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the reform of global institutions.
Our two nations will continue to be expected to provide a key contribution with regards to the international challenges facing us.
Mr President, South Africa appreciates the important role that German companies, through the Chamber, play in the economic activities of our country. We encourage them to continue providing such a sterling example to other investors, in the firm belief that this country and region are a prime investment destination.
In conclusion, let us continue to work together towards the goal of making the world a better place for all its peoples.
I thank you.