President Thabo Mbeki has urged Greece to assist South Africa in preparing for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Mbeki rounded up his three-day state visit - that has potentially unlocked and boosted massive trade between the two countries - to Greece today.

In Athens rests the Olympic torch that traveled through South Africa six months ago. From roads to the transport network, the city received a major face lift in preparing to host the Athens 2004 Olympic Games in August last year. Receiving the Gold Medal of Merit of the City of Athens, Mbeki appealed for help as South Africa prepares to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Mbeki says South Africa would want to draw on the Greek experience to see to what extent it is possible to learn from what they have done so that the country can meet the challenges that it faces. Beyond those challenges, trade between Greece and South Africa remains relatively low, but some business deals are already in the pipeline.

John Economides, the Greek ambassador to South Africa, says Greece is becoming a big tourist destination for all the countries in Europe and one thing it lacks is golf courses, and South Africa is a golfing destination and could help them develop these which will attract substantial tourism. The entire country only has three golf courses. Mbeki says one of the proposals that have come up is that perhaps they need to look at establishing a South Africa/Greece Business Council to expose the business communities.

At a political level, there is much to gain from the relationship. Greece is looking for new markets and partners. South Africa needs help with its increasing African responsibilities.

from SABC

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