Addis Ababa - South Africa has opened a state-of-the-art embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia which will be the new location for its embassy staff.
Decorated with South African artworks and style, the 12 000 square metre building is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between South Africa and the east African nation.
Attending the official opening of the new building, Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma described the building as the new permanent home for South Africans in Addis.
She said the building would help the embassy further strengthen efforts geared toward bolstering the bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries. "I am convinced that this mechanism will aid greatly in the further consolidation of political, economic and cultural relations between the two nations."
Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tekeda Alemu, said the new building was proof of the commitment of the South African government to further enhancing cooperation with Ethiopia and the African Union (AU).
Architects from both Ethiopia and South Africa designed the new building and construction began in September 2006.
The modern building boasts has section which highlights South Africa's preparations towards hosting the 2010 FIFA World cup.
Minister Dlamini Zuma said that with less than 500 days to go to the event, "We firmly believe that this will be a truly African event and encourage Africans and their teams to ensure that we celebrate our victory and achievements".
She said the world cup was a unique opportunity for the continent to prove that as Africans, we have what it takes to host a successful world class event.
South Africa has signed a number Memoranda of Understanding with Ethiopia on Industrial and Technical Cooperation as well as in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, defence, arts and culture, tourism, human resource development and health.
South Africa and Ethiopia established official diplomatic relations in 1994. Ethiopia is the new chair of the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
