Pretoria – Cabinet has joined President Jacob Zuma in congratulating Emmanuel Macron, the President-elect of the Republic of France, following his victory on 7 May in the French presidential elections.
Macron is set to take office on Sunday, 14 May.
“South Africa looks forward to working with the French government under the leadership of Mr Macron to consolidate the already strong political, economic and trade ties between South Africa and France,” South Africa’s Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo said on Thursday at a post-Cabinet briefing.
Macron was elected President of France on Sunday, defeating Marine Le Pen, a far-right nationalist who threatened to take France out of the European Union.
Extension of SANDF deployment in DRC
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the decision by President Jacob Zuma to extend the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“This is in an effort to contribute to peace and stability on the African continent and in particular the region, in line with our international obligations and foreign policy of contributing to a better Africa and world,” Minister Dlodlo said.
A total of 1 371 members of the SANDF are deployed in the DRC in support of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission.
Their deployment has been extended from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018.
Tanzanian bus crash
Cabinet has extended condolences to the government and the people of the Republic of Tanzania on the tragic bus accident that resulted in death of 36 people, 33 of them children.
President Zuma is currently in that country for a State visit. – SAnews.gov.za
