The South African Freedom Day and the Armed Forces Day, on 8 May, were celebrated in Malta for the first time. The High Commissioner for the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr Lenin Shope, hosted a reception at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the President of Malta and Mrs Fenech Adami, various ambassadors, the honorary consul Mr Norman P. Mifsud, members of the diplomatic corps, the Brigadier of the Armed Forces of Malta, representatives of business organisations, as well as Maltese and South African businessmen and entrepreneurs.

In his address, the High Commissioner stressed on the business and investment opportunities that the South African economy could offer today. The country has now already enjoyed over 12 years of political stability and the economy is improving year on year. An important target date for South Africa is the FIFA World Cup which will be held there in 2010. Circa euros 0.7 billion are being invested into the construction of five new stadiums and refurbishment of another five stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The meeting with President Nelson Mandela during one of the Commonwealth summits was recalled and highlighted by President Fenech Adami in his address. He said that South Africa should be proud of its reconciliation process which has brought stability and is a very good example for those countries which had a turbulent past and are seeking to re-establish stability and harmony among their people.

Guests enjoyed a buffet of typical South African food which was accompanied by wines to further increase the awareness of South Africa as a quality New World wine producer.