Vice President Danny Faure participated today in the official inauguration ceremony of President Jacob Zuma following his victory and that of his party, the ANC, in the recently concluded elections in the Republic of South Africa.

Vice President Faure was representing President James Michel at the ceremony which was held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane (Pretoria).

The Vice President conveyed once again the warm wishes of the Seychellois people towards President Zuma and the people of the Republic of South Africa and expressed his wish that this election provide the platform for further strengthening of the partnership between the two nations:

“Seychelles and South Africa share a historical partnership, which is also forward looking.  As you take South Africa forward, Mr. President, Seychelles stands ready to continue to foster relations based on people centred development, while continuing the long walk towards equity and socio-economic transformation.”

The Vice President also commended the ANC on their victory, and on their leadership in fighting for South Africa’s freedom and in bringing about a better life for their people:

“Stability in Africa depends on strong institutions.  With its 102 year history, moving from a liberation movement to a governing party, the ANC continues to provide an example of governance, and of evolution to meet the needs of the South African people.  The 20^th anniversary of freedom in South Africa which coincides with this beginning of a new term by President Zuma, allows us to reflect on the achievements and share ideas on how to overcome those challenges that remain. As Seychelles’ ruling party, Parti Lepep, prepares to celebrate its own 50^th anniversary, we reflect on these evolutions that must continue to strengthen our nations, and we are proud to have mutually supported each other from this history of liberation to our shared challenges in the region and on the African continent.”

The Vice President was accompanied during the visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, who also held talks with his counterpart, H.E. Ms. Maite Mashabane. The two ministers reviewed the cooperation between the two countries following the official visit of Minister Mashabane in 2012, and also exchanged views on the security situation in the region.

The Seychelles delegation was also composed of Ms. Jeanne Simeon, Principal Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, and H.E Mr. Claude Morel, the Seychelles High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa.