South African History Online

Speech By Mandela At Lunchoen Hosted By The Prime Minister Denmark

Copenhagen, 16 March 1999

Prime Minister
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to meet with you, Mr Prime
Minister, on this all-too-brief visit to Denmark, along with members of your
government.

Because the inhumanity of apartheid offended and challenged the moral
sensibility of the world our struggle won the support and solidarity of
virtually all political persuasions and people in every walk of life.

We feel that support in the immense warmth with which we have been welcomed
in Denmark. We see it reflected here today in the presence of leaders of so many
sectors of Danish society that were involved in the world-wide campaign to
isolate apartheid, and that are today part of the reconstruction and development
of our country.

This occasion allows us to thank all those whose commitment to justice helped
move their compatriots to support us. We still have far to travel along the road
to that just and prosperous society of which we dreamed together, and for which
we continue to work together. But with the support of our friends and allies we
shall succeed in the task of giving material content to the freedom and the
rights we won with your help.

This meeting is therefore also an opportunity to say how pleased we are at
the rapid expansion in our bilateral relations. That includes the mutually
enriching cultural exchanges. It includes the fifteen-fold increase in trade
since the early nineties; the growing investment that boosts our productive
capacity; the substantial development co-operation that has been extended into
the next century, and more.

Because Denmark has made world development so much a part of its national
concerns, we know that you need to persuading of the critical importance of
redefining relations between developing and industrialised countries, so that
historical imbalance gives way to equity.

In this regard I would like to put on record our appreciation of Denmark's
understanding of an support for our position in the negotiations over a Free
Trade Agreement with the European Union.

When Denmark's vigorous defence of our interests leads some in the EU to
refer to the Danes as quasi-South Africans, I do not know if those who speak
that way intend it as a compliment. But I do know that given Denmark's
contribution, despite its small size, to the shaping of a better world, South
Africans would be honoured to be called quasi-Danes.

Mr. Prime Minister;

South Africa takes immense pride in what has been achieved in these past five
years to address the legacy of our divided and violent past. We entertain the
hope that you who shared in creating the possibility of a better life for all
South Africans, also share in that pride.

As we approach our second democratic elections - and as I prepare to enjoy
that time of calm which should be granted to all men and women - it is with
confidence in the strength of the democratic institutions which have taken root
in my country, in the new generation of leaders; and in the capacity of our
people to ensure that the challenges that face us are met.

If in these brief remarks I have emphasised such practical matters as aid and
trade, investment and the regulation of the world economic system, it is because
in our modem world of interdependent nations these things are critical to the
enjoyment of the rights for which there has been such courageous struggle and
sacrifice.

In the same measure, the enjoyment of those rights depends on the
democratisation of international organisations and the strengthening of the
collective capacity of regions, continents and the world to achieve the peaceful
resolution of conflicts.

We know that Denmark is committed to these goals. Be assured that South
Africa is committed to working with Denmark for their achievement.

I thank you.