Pretoria - President Thabo Mbeki on Monday joined world leaders in conveying South Africa's heartfelt condolences to the people of Samoa, following the death of King Malietoa Tanumafili.
In a message of support to Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi President Mbeki said he had learnt with a sense of great sadness and shock, of the passing away of His Highness, King Malietoa Tanumafili II.
"Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as leaders and people the world over, join the people of Samoa in mourning the loss of an inspirational leader, richly imbued with great warmth, kindness and generosity of spirit," he said.
King Malietoa Tanumafili II died on Friday at the age of 94.
"Despite this sad loss to the Samoan nation and people, the King will be long remembered for his passionate and committed service to Samoa and the broader Pacific Islands region,
"It is a testimony to his astute leadership that for the past 15 years Samoa has stood as a beacon of hope, stability and progress in the Pacific," President Mbeki said on Monday.
Mr Mbeki also applauded the king for having been a powerful and resonating voice for democracy and good governance, as well as in articulating the development challenges unique to Small Developing Island States.
Samoa, whose land mass is 2860 square kilometers, gained independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962.
A 2001 estimate placed the Pacific island nation's population at 176 848.
South Africa's high commissioner in Australia's capital Canberra, has been accredited to the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Republic of Vanuatu and the Independent State of Samoa. - BuaNews
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Wellington New Zealand |