Ambassador Harro Adt;

Your Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Representatives of Government and Business

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen

I present to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Köhler, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany, the congratulations from President Thabo Mbeki, the Government and people of South Africa on the 16^th anniversary of German Unification.

Your Excellency,

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany’s role in the international arena has taken on a new meaning. Perhaps the reason that South Africa appreciates having a partner like Germany is not just due to what we have achieved through our productive relationship, but also because we understand that our national histories are so similar.

It is fitting that our countries have maintained excellent relations for the last decade. Our similar experiences in

building a common sense of nationhood amongst our citizens after a recent divided past,

our attempts to develop those sectors of our country that have been left behind in the past, and

the use of sport as an effective means of rebuilding the socio-economic fabric of our countries are very significant.

South Africa understands how the lessons learnt from our domestic histories can be used for good, particularly in the promotion of multilateralism and democracy on the global stage - 10 years after our own liberal democratic Constitution came into effect, and 50 years after the historic Women’s March to the Union Buildings.

President Mbeki and Chancellor Merkel had a constructive meeting in Berlin in July. South Africa is thankful for the kind assistance from Germany in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Our cooperation in this area has only highlighted our strong relations. There is much we can learn from the security and cultural arrangements that made the 2006 World Cup the great success that it was and, as South Africans, we are eager to put our own cultural stamp on the coming event.

Germany has proven to be a sturdy and reliable partner for South Africa. Our relations have encompassed the political, economic and cultural spheres. Our cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, have been successful despite our differences on certain topics.

We look forward to the forthcoming Binational Commission. In fact, the BNC was established exactly 10 years ago, in 1996. With the six committees, our countries have managed to collaborate in matters concerning trade, development cooperation, arts and culture, scientific cooperation, defence and the environment. It is a sure sign that relations between our countries are alive and healthy.

The Science and Technology Committee, in particular, has worked well. As the Minister of Science and Technology, I am glad to report that the fruits of our labours are on display through several initiatives. Two of the major initiatives are Inkaba ye Africa and Biota South. Inkaba ye Africa is a research project concentrating on Earth system processes and their interactions at different scales and rates, closely scrutinising climate biodiversity, natural hazards and resources of Africa for better planning of the future. The project presents a unique opportunity to train a new generation of South African and German post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers from multicultural backgrounds in cutting edge Earth System Science.

Biota South is one of the largest ongoing scientific activities in Africa directed at the sustainable use of Africa’s biodiversity. South Africa was pleased to see Germany participate in the first International Science Innovation and Technology Exhibition in Johannesburg in November 2004. We are also happy to note that Germany was a prominent participant at this year’s INSITE which took place last week.

South Africa is looking forward to engaging with German businesses through the European Venture Market in Potsdam this week.

Germany has indeed supported African objectives to achieve peace and prosperity in Africa since 1994. Germany has led the Eufor mission to secure the landmark national election in the DRC. South Africa looks forward to working with Germany in the context of your financial contribution to the EU and your work as a G8 member, with particular reference to the African Agenda. Germany has contributed to multilateral commitments where Africa is concerned. We hope that our constructive engagement will yield further interaction in the area of peace and security in the future.

It is with all this in mind that I wish to propose a toast on behalf of President Mbeki, the Government and people of South Africa, to the good health, long life and happiness of the President of Germany, Mr Köhler, the Government and people of Germany on this special day.

May the people and Government of Germany continue to thrive!