The Queen has praised South Africa's successful journey of "liberation and democratic renewal" during a banquet in honour of the nation's president.
(L-R) Queen Elizabeth II, Jacob Zuma, Tobeka Madiba Zuma and the Duke of Edinburgh
The monarch described how, since anti-apartheid figurehead Nelson Mandela was freed 20 years ago, the country has managed to transform itself.
Her words were addressed to South Africa's president Jacob Zuma and a host of leading figures from his homeland and the UK at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday night.
In turn Mr Zuma highlighted how Britain helped in the efforts to "free" his country and later assisted in establishing a democratic government.
The Queen told her guests, who included Prime Minister Gordon Brown, senior royals and Cabinet ministers, Mr Mandela's release from prison 20 years ago heralded "an extraordinary process of liberation and democratic renewal".
"The task was daunting in its scale and ambition but was achieved through a deliberate and courageous effort of reconciliation and peaceful resolution of differences," she said.
The Queen and Jacob Zuma enjoy a toast at the start of the banquet
Before arriving in the UK this week Mr Zuma, who has three wives, attacked Britain's colonial past in an interview.He was apparently responding to reports by the British media about his polygamous lifestyle.
But his comments at the banquet praised the close bonds between the British people and his homeland.
The president, who was joined by his third and newest wife, said: "We cannot forget the extraordinary role they played at the forefront of a global movement for a free South Africa, as the global anti-apartheid movement has its roots in this country
"We also appreciate the assistance that the United Kingdom provided during our transition and in the establishment of the new democratic government."
Later today Mr Brown will hold talks with the president with Zimbabwe expected to be high on the agenda.
South Africa's strong links with the nation make it well placed to try and influence the leadership of the country.
Other subjects likely to be discussed include climate change, the global economy and the football World Cup, which South Africa is hosting this summer and England hopes to host in 2018.
During the day the president and his wife Tobeka Madiba will visit a Sainsbury's store in Greenwich, southeast London with the food retailer's chief executive Justin King and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.
In the evening the Lord Mayor of the City of London will host a banquet at the Guildhall in honour of the president and his wife.
Sky News
0 comments:
Post a Comment