The one most relevant to today's gathering is the fact that South Africa is our largest trading partner on the continent. It is the anchor of the Southern African Development Community and increasingly serves as the launching point for U.S. companies seeking to serve the regional market. A successful South Africa, quite simply, is a win-win for both our countries. Success for all South Africans however is still, unfortunately, a ways off. For if South Africa's political transformation was sealed by last June's elections, that same point has not yet been reached in its economic transformation.
Poverty remains endemic among the majority population and far too many face continued unemployment.
Many, if not all, of the root causes of this situation lie in the history of Apartheid's tragic policies. These problems having developed over centuries of entrenched racism will not be easily or quickly undone. We can and must, however, look towards solutions that will accelerate economic prosperity for all. As Ambassador, I intend to focus particularly on increased trade and investment as an important way to achieve this. Our efforts in these areas enjoy strong support in the U.S. through President Clinton's resolute commitment to the continent and through the many institutional linkages that have been formed between our two governments.