Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the National and Provincial Elections in South Africa

April 28, 2009
Japanese

Japan welcomes the fact that the National and Provincial Elections held on April 22 in the Republic of South Africa were conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. Eight officials of the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of South Africa including Ambassador Toshiro Ozawa visited a number of voting stations and observed that the elections were carried out in an orderly manner.
Japan expects that South Africa will enjoy further development with the democracy consolidated through dialogues, and continue to contribute to the stability and prosperity of Africa and also to the resolution of global issues that confront the international community.
The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch to South Africa H.E. Mr. Yoshiro Mori, former Prime Minister, as Ambassador on Special Mission to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of the President of the Republic of South Africa to be held on May 9 (Sat.), 2009, in Pretoria. Japan wishes to further strengthen the bilateral relationship with South Africa and work together to enhance peace and prosperity of the African region and world.

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