South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted on Tuesday an invitation from Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to visit Portugal next March, which marks the 50th anniversary on April 25.
The South African head of state spoke at a press conference at the Presidential Palace of the Union Buildings, the seat of government in the capital Pretoria, following the completion of talks with his Portuguese counterpart as part of a state visit to South Africa.
“The president [Marcelo Rebelo] de Souza is very persuasive, in case you haven’t noticed, he held out an invitation and mentioned it several times since he got here [ao palácio]even during our tête-à-tête meeting, and I had no choice but to agree, ”said Ramaphosach.
The South African head of state said he “would like” to visit Portugal for “several reasons”, stressing: “I will go there to celebrate my freedom because I was arrested for what happened in your country and I will go there to say that I’m free now.”
“Also to celebrate the changes and revolution that have taken place,” he added.
“While the people were celebrating the liberation of Mozambique, [o regime do ‘apartheid’] decided to arrest me. That is why we are connected,” said Ramaphosa Marcelo Rebelo de Souza.
The South African leader stressed that he would be the first President of the Republic of South Africa to make a state visit to Portugal, “which is important in itself,” also noting that he intends to take the opportunity to “strengthen relations.” what exists between two countries.
“There are many reasons why we would like to go, but I agreed,” he concluded.
The African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power in South Africa since 1994 and whose president is also Cyril Ramaphosa, will face its biggest electoral challenge in a general election next April since the emergence of democracy in the country.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived in South Africa on Monday, where he will stay until Thursday to celebrate the Day of Portugal, Camões and Portuguese Communities.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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