The countries of this region are renowned for their economic success, and growth rates to which most other countries at present only aspire. We have come to learn. And we have come to promote stronger ties between our countries and our regions which will, we are convinced, bring mutual benefit. Sustainable and higher rates of growth are central to fulfilling South Africa's plans for reconstruction and development. With growth of three per cent for two successive years, the South African economy has started on the road towards sustained expansion.
Economic indicators point to deep-seated structural changes for the better.
The same tempo is beginning to be felt in the affairs of our region. Released from the fetters of destabilisation, Southern Africa has been quick to grasp the opportunity for a co-operative and regional approach to unlocking its development potential. This is the context within which South Africa is energetically seeking to strengthen its relations with your country and the countries of South-East Asia. And that is why we are so encouraged to be visiting a country which sets great store on active participation in regional affairs. We belong to nations which, in all their diversity, their different sizes and stages of development, together have the power to give strong impetus to the rebirth of harmonious and productive relations between our continents of Africa and Asia.