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Blair 'good friend of Africa'
31/05/2007 16:06 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair had been a "very good friend" to Africa, former president Nelson Mandela said in welcoming Blair and his wife Cherie Booth to his foundation in Houghton on Thursday.
"We are delighted Prime Minister Blair has decided to honour us with a visit on his last trip to Africa," Mandela said.
Blair is visiting three African countries before he leaves office on June 27. He has already visited Libya. He arrived in South Africa from Sierra Leone on Thursday morning.
Mandela said he was sure Blair's commitment to, among others, poverty eradication, would continue.
"We wish him the very best for the future," he said.
"I know that your energy, passion and youth can still play a big role in international affairs.
"We look forward to the contribution you will continue to make." 'Club of retired presidents'
To much laughter, Mandela told Blair he looked forward to welcoming "a young man like you to the club of retired presidents".
"I need to warn you that some of us only became active after stepping down from public office."
Mandela expressed optimism that Blair's successor Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown would also be a good friend of Africa and continue Britain's commitments on the continent.
Blair described it as "an honour and privilege" to stand next to Mandela.
He thanked Mandela "for everything he has done in his life". It showed it was "possible for things to change".
The reason South Africa was so strong today, was in no small measure due to Mandela's influence, Blair said. Promises to Africa
Referring to the G8 Summit in Germany, Blair said it was important that leaders recommit to their promises on Africa.
He also said he would be relying on Africa for support on issues involving climate change.
Blair is schedule to hold talks with President Thabo Mbeki at the union buildings on Friday.
Earlier this month, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad said Mbeki's talks with Blair would focus on ways he could, even out of office, finish the programme of support to Africa he started at the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, in 2005, which he designated the Year of Africa.
Africa's development was at the top of the agenda at that summit, which put together a detailed set of commitments on poverty, peace and security, good governance, human development and growth.
- SAPA
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