SOUTH Africa's first embassy in Ireland will be officially opened today by Dr Kader Asmal, the South African Minister for Water Affairs and Forestry. A South African ambassador, Mr Pierre Dietrichsen, was first accredcited to Ireland in July 1996.
In a statement yesterday, the embassy said relations between Ireland and South Africa have been expanding rapidly and were strengthened with the opening of formal diplomatic relations in October 1993. This was followed by the opening of an Irish Embassy in South Africa in 1994 and a visit by the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring.
Former president Mr F.W. de Klerk visited Ireland in November 1995. The President, Mrs Robinson, paid an official visit to South Africa in March, accompanied by a trade mission. The statement went on to say that Ireland, as one of Europe's fastest growing economies, will remain a solid trading partner of South Africa.
Trade between Ireland and South Africa is worth £143 million and has been growing at 45 per cent each year since 1992.
Tourism from Ireland to South Africa is also flourishing, according to the statement: 11,000 Irish holidaymakers visited South Africa in 1995.