17 January 2006
President Thabo Mbeki has congratulated Chile's president-designate, Michelle Bachelet, on her election as that country's first female head of state.
The former detainee has become the first woman to lead Chile.
"Your election will without doubt strengthen Chile's progressive example for the global community, especially on issues of democracy, gender and women's rights, poverty alleviation and support for a rules-based and more equitable multilateral system," Mbeki said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mbeki said the "principled stance" Chile had taken so far in the attempts to restructure global governance to respond more effectively to the challenges of the 21st century, was also of prime importance to Africa and the world at large.
Mbeki said the South African government was looking forward to continuing its co-operation with Chile.
"The South African government places a high value on the warm relations which exist at so many levels between South Africa and Chile, and we look forward to further strengthening ties with your country under your presidency," he said.
Mbeki issued his statement from Monrovia, Liberia, where he was attending the historic inauguration of Africa's first female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, after years of conflict there.
Source: BuaNews
