Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim today received credentials from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Secretariat Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki.
Presenting his credentials Dr Mayaki indicated that: "I am duly mandated by Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to take full and effective charge of the NEPAD Secretariat and to be the principal representative of the interests of the Interim African Union Office in South Africa".
In this regard Dr Mayaki expressed his intention to work closely with the Government of South Africa.
In response, Deputy Minister Ebrahim said: "I wish to welcome you on behalf of the Government to South Africa and hope that the infrastructure provided by our country thus far has facilitated a conducive environment to effectively undertake the discharging of your responsibilities."
Deputy Minister Ebrahim also stressed that it was important for the South African and continental public to be made aware of the development and successes of NEPAD implementation.
Dr Mayaki used the opportunity to brief Deputy Minister Ebrahim on the integration of NEPAD into the African Union and on the progress since the Maputo 2003 African Union Assembly decision and the recent AU Assembly decision in Sirte in Libya.
Dr Mayaki, a former Prime Minister of Niger, is the third CEO to be appointed and takes over from the Acting CEO, Ambassador Olukorebe Willoughby.
Previously Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu of South Africa and Dr Firmino Mucavele of Mozambique held the position of CEO successively.
Dr Mayaki has extensive knowledge and a vast array of practical experience regarding African developmental issues.
His appointment comes at a crucial time when plans are at an advanced stage for the integration of NEPAD into the African Union.
