The South African Army band, a guard of honour and a red carpet were in place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday when President Thabo Mbeki officially welcomed his Singaporean counterpart President Sellapan Ramanathan.
Mbeki and Ramanathan, who is the first Singaporean president to visit Africa, went straight into talks after the official welcoming ceremony and a 21-gun-salute were concluded.
Trade and investment between the two countries would be the major focus of the talks between the leaders, to facilitate and promote trade and economic relations between South Africa and Singapore, and to encourage interaction between their respective business communities.
It is however clear that other issues would also come up as Mbeki’s delegation includes Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils and Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana.
Similarly Ramanathan’s delegation includes his ministers for manpower, defence and foreign affairs.
On Thursday evening Mbeki will host an official state banquet for Ramanathan.
One of the major events of his visit includes the launch of the R5,8-billion chlorine refinery and desalination plant at Coega.
Ramanathan was also expected to meet the Singaporean business community in South Africa and visit several historical sites.
Following his visit to South Africa he will visit Namibia and Botswana. – Sapa