The South African Embassy in Ankara has great pleasure in welcoming the new Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr Pule Isaac Malefane and his family.

Ambassador Malefane presented his letter of credence to the President of the Republic of Turkey, H. E. Mr Recep Tayyib Erdogan, at a reception at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on 22 March 2016. Ambassador Malefane previously served as the Consulate General of South Africa in Mumbai, India. Ambassador Malefane also, as part of the presentation of his letter of credence ceremony, laid a wreath at the Aniktkabir, the monument where the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, is buried on 24 March 2016.

In 2016 South Africa celebrates its 22nd year of Freedom and Democracy. During this time South Africa has focussed on addressing the inequalities of the past. The focus of South Africa’s endeavours on a regional and global level is also to work together with the international community to make life better for Africa and the world through enhancing the African Agenda and Sustainable Development and strengthening its relations with all countries. South Africa continues to face the challenges of development and South Africa’s government will continue to address these to achieve the aim of making life better for all South Africans and those who live in it.

South Africa also plays a very active role on the international stage. It is a member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) emerging market groups as well as the United Nations and other international organisations.

South Africa is committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international order and to this end promotes global security, sustainable development, human rights and international law through participation in the UN system and its specialised agencies. South Africa further upholds the belief that the resolution of international conflicts should be peaceful and in accordance with the principles of international law.

South Africa’s relations with Turkey has traditionally been strong and South Africa will continue to focus on strengthening relations with this important regional and global player, both in the Middle East region and in the G20 Group of Countries amongst other international fora. There are growing opportunities for Turkish companies and professionals to contribute to the strengthening of these relations between our two countries.

We are confident that Ambassador Malefane will successfully lead the South African Embassy in Ankara in implementing the policies of the South African government and look forward to working with him during his term of duty in Turkey.