Africa must look South - Mbeki
2005-04-21 09:35
Singapore - The answer to Africa's development problem lies more in the South than in the countries of the North, President Thabo Mbeki told Singapore's President SR Nathan on the island state Thursday.
"The answer to the development challenges we face are not in the North, but in the South, here in Singapore," Mbeki said over lunch.
He and his wife, Zanele, were visiting the Asian economic powerhouse on a one-day state visit, during which a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries.
"I know I should have come much earlier and having come late I should have stayed longer," Mbeki said, to much applause.
He told Nathan that South Africa and Africa had much to learn from Singapore.
It would be very foolish, he said, of the continent not to learn from the island's triumphs.
"It would be very foolish of us to seek things that Singaporeans have already discovered - it does not make sense."
Mbeki said the best Africa could do to overcome its challenges would be to emulate Singapore.
"That will give us the step ladder we need."
Nathan, in his address, praised Mbeki for the work he had already done in fostering solidarity among African countries.
"By creating a platform for Asia and Africa to learn more about each other, our destinies will eventually converge, leading to a truly Asia-African partnership in the spirit of South-South co-operation," Nathan said.
He announced that Singapore would be looking to develop free trade agreements with South Africa.
A joint trade committee would be established shortly to explore these avenues.
"Your visit has provided us an invaluable opportunity to step up our relations and to reflect on the challenges that face our to regions today," he added.
Mbeki will address a gathering of top businessmen later in the afternoon before flying back to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he will attend a heads of state meeting as part of the Asia-Africa summit on Friday.
Earlier in the day Singapore honoured Mbeki by naming a variety of orchid after him.
The orchid is the country's national flower.
- SAPA