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SA plans to launch new embassies in Serbia and New Zealand Plans are afoot to open new embassies in Serbia and New Zealand following requests from these countries to President Thabo Mbeki. It has been proposed that a South African mission be opened in Serbia's capital, Belgrade and in Wellington, New Zealand. This emerged on Tuesday when President Mbeki received credentials from six new ambassadors from different countries to allow them to officially assume their diplomatic duties in the country. Mbeki said that the process to open diplomatic missions in Serbia and New Zealand “was long overdue” and needed to be expedited. “We are interested in opening a mission in New Zealand as it will help in strengthening the relationship between the two countries,” he said, in his welcoming address to that country's new ambassador to South Africa, Malcolm McGoun. The matter was discussed between Mbeki and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark during her state visit to South Africa earlier this year. Yesterday, Mbeki further urged the New Zealand government to join hands and “speak in one voice” with South Africa on pertinent international issues, saying this would help strengthen both countries' views and inputs in the global discourse. Mbeki also received credentials from ambassador Mom Attia of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ugandan High Commissioner Kweronda Ruhemba, Meles Marasso of Ethiopia and the Japanese new diplomat Akhiko Furuya. The President thanked Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for the mediation role he played in the Burundi peace process. The Burundi government and the rebels recently signed a peace accord following a mediation process chaired by South Africa's Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula. The core message that Mbeki passed to the diplomats was that they should work hard towards strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and their countries. - BuaNews |
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