Taoiseach invites President Mandela to visit Ireland
The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., met with South African President Nelson Mandela following the conclusion of the European Council in Cardiff today, (Tuesday, 16 June 1998). This was the first time that the two men have met and the Taoiseach invited President Mandela to visit Ireland in the near future.
The Taoiseach thanked President Mandela for South African support for the Peace Process and took the opportunity to brief the President on the Good Friday Agreement, the outcome of the recent referendum and the ongoing work on implementation of the Agreement. Mr Ahern told President Mandela that;
"The example of the South African Experience was of great value to many of the parties in the Northern Ireland process, and this was frequently mentioned in the Talks sessions. I know that many of the participants had the opportunity to meet you in South Africa, and that delegations from the South African Congress have visited Ireland on a number of occasions to speak to interested parties. We in Ireland greatly appreciate your good will and encouragement."
Other issues discussed by the two leaders included developments in European Union relations with South Africa and, in particular, the improving prospects for an early conclusion of a Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the Union. Both leaders shared their concerns regarding conflict situations in Africa and their concerns in relation to East Timor. The recent Indian and Pakistani nuclear tests, were raised and the Taoiseach stated that "the joint nuclear arms ban initiative announced this week offers a real hope for a reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons". Ireland and South Africa were amongst the four main co-sponsors of the initiative.
ENDS .
16 June 1998