First Secretary South African High Commission Leslie Saunders said South Africa and Fiji enjoy cordial bilateral relations and share common goals and objectives.

“The two countries also share a number of similarities which are the legacy of colonialism, being part of the global south grouping, for whom the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain crucial,” Mr Saunders said.

He was speaking at the South African 23rd Freedom Day at the Holiday Inn Suva on Thursday attended by hundreds of guests.

“We are also confronted by similar challenges to transform our respective economies to compete with those of developed countries in such a way that we meet the needs, hopes and desires of our diverse populations,” Mr Saunders said.

“Both of our countries carry the responsibility to foster togetherness despite differences in class and race.”

The Freedom Day is celebrated each year on April 27 as they celebrate the legacy and the centenary of the late Oliver Tambo who was a close comrade-in-arms of former president Nelson Mandela.

Mr Tambo dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality and justice for all South Africans and was one of the founding fathers of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

“Both our countries have the difficult mix of urban and rural communities,” Mr Saunders said.

He said the South African High Commission expressed its commitment towards closer bilateral ties, for more people-to-people contact and for increased volumes of trade.

“And that 2017 also be a year in which we use creativity and inventiveness to explore the areas in which we can expand our bilateral relationship. On the multilateral front, we are ready to support Fiji in the immense responsibilities it presently bears.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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