Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had with the new President of South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21783/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Jacob Zuma was elected President of South Africa by the country's parliament on 6 May, following a general election in which Mr. Zuma's African National Congress won more than 66% of the vote. Mr. Zuma becomes the fourth President of South Africa since the transition to democracy following the end of the apartheid regime.

On behalf of the people of Ireland, President McAleese has written to President Zuma to congratulate him on his election and wish him well in his new position. The President was represented at President Zuma's inauguration in Pretoria on 9 May by our Ambassador to South Africa.

Ireland enjoys a strong relationship with South Africa, and senior officials from both countries met in Dublin in late April in the aftermath of the South African general election in the context of the Ireland-South Africa Partnership Forum. South African officials provided a briefing on the priorities of the incoming administration, in the areas of education, health, safety and security, judicial reform and job creation.

South Africa continues to be a source of stability in the southern African region, and an important partner for both Ireland and the EU. I look forward to working with President Zuma's new administration to advance our common interests internationally and to support peace, stability and prosperity in Africa.