PRETORIA, September 6, 2012 -- Jim Yong Kim, President of The World Bank Group today met President Jacob Zuma of South Africa in Pretoria, and made the following statement after the meeting:
“It is a pleasure to be back in South Africa, and to have the opportunity to visit Africa’s largest economy for the first time in my new capacity as President of The World Bank Group. This visit allowed me to hear first-hand how South Africa is meeting its development challenges. I was pleased to have fruitful discussions with President Zuma, Finance Minister Gordhan, Cabinet Members, and senior officials.
“I discussed with President Zuma and his cabinet colleagues the economic challenges before the country, and learned of their plans to expand South Africa’s development gains. I reiterated my desire to deepen the Bank’s relationship with South Africa. We discussed ways in which we would intensify our collaboration to support South Africa’s economic growth and employment initiatives, its role as a driver of trade and investment on the African continent, and its increasingly important voice for the African continent at the G-20 and other global forums.
“Finally, I would like to thank the government and people of South Africa for the hospitality extended to me and my colleagues during this visit. The World Bank greatly values the partnership with South Africa. On behalf of the entire World Bank Group, I look forward to continuing our collaboration for better development prospects, both in South Africa and across the African continent.”
