Former president Nelson Mandela was his old humorous self as he welcomed one head of state after another at his Houghton, Johannesburg home on Tuesday morning.
First to arrive was Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien with whom Mandela held a short private meeting.
Accepting Chretien and his wife at the front door, Mandela joked to the media that he was enjoying Canadian honorary citizenship which had made him ”grow taller and walk stronger”.
After seeing the Canadians out, Mandela hosted Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
Welcoming the Danish delegation, Mandela teased the only woman in the group, saying: ”Why are you the only one? Women have taken over here (in South Africa).”
Adopting a more serious note, Mandela told reporters he was thankful to the Danish government for its continued financial support particularly in the fight against Aids, and for the schools and clinics which had benefited thousands of children.
Mandela is expected to host Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres later on Tuesday. – Sapa