Tánaiste visits South Africa and Mozambique
Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence visits South Africa and Mozambique.
Monday, 17 July is the beginning of a weeklong visit for the Tánaiste to South Africa and Mozambique.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Micheál Martin TD said:
“As I travel to South Africa and Mozambique, I look forward to building on our excellent relations with both countries, particularly with respect to our political, economic and development relations. South Africa is one of our key partners in Africa, a significant market for Irish exports and home to the largest Irish diaspora on the continent.
During his time in South Africa, the Tánaiste will deliver the inaugural lecture of the Maxeke-Robinson Irish Studies Chair. This lecture will highlight the connections between South Africa and Ireland and the enduring nature of this relationship.
He will also open a Good Friday Exhibition, hosted at the University of the Western Cape.
Officially opening the office of Irish firm, Kirby Group Engineering in Cape Town, the Tánaiste will also hold engagements with Bord Bia clients, along with medical technology, Enterprise Ireland client companies.
Mandela Day, 18 July
This visit holds special significance for a number of reasons.
Mandela Day in South Africa falls on 18 July, and the Tánaiste will mark the day by participating in 67 minutes of service at a community centre, in the company of Foreign Minister Pandor.
This is in commemoration of the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent working for social justice in South Africa.
Partners in nutrition, health and education
In Mozambique, the Tánaiste will visit Inhambane province, where Ireland has been working for many years. While there, the Tánaiste will visit partners working in the nutrition, health and education sectors.
These include an Agricultural and Blue Economy Fair and the inauguration of a solar powered water pump system.
The Tánaiste will also visit a health centre, and a primary school supported through Irish funding to the healthcare and education sectors in Mozambique.
The Tánaiste added:
"Mozambique is a close partner where Ireland’s second largest bilateral international development programme is focused. While there, I look forward to witnessing first-hand the positive and sustainable difference that Ireland is making to the lives of people in Mozambique."
During his visit, the Tánaiste will meet with President Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Nyusi of Mozambique, and hold high-level political engagements with his counterparts and officials in both countries.
In pictures
Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence on his two-day visit to South Africa.