His Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills, this morning, met with Vice President of South Africa, Kgalema Mothlanthe, in Pretoria.

Before moving into the closed door session to discuss matters pertaining to the growth path of the African Union (AU), preceding the Union’s summit in Kampala, Uganda between the 24th and 27th of July, 2010, President Atta Mills congratulated the Government and people of South Africa for doing Africa proud thus far, for the extremely successful hosting of the first ever World Cup tournament on African soil.

President Atta Mills also thanked the people of South Africa for their strong support for the Black Stars.

“I was here for Ghana’s opening march and saw for myself the support that we got from South Africans and we are grateful to you for the supporting the African agenda” President Atta Mills said.

“You can be sure that when it is the other way round, Ghana will give the same level of support, if not more, to our South African brethren” President Atta Mills added.

“I am very confident that the people of South Africa will throw their full support behind Ghana this evening and with the vuvuzela’s and makarapa’s adding the African flavour to the game, Ghana and South Africa will combine our strengths to make Africa proud” President Atta Mills said further.

On his part, Vice President of South Africa, Kgalema Mothlanthe, thanked President Atta Mills for his commendation as regards South Africa’s hosting of the World Cup and pledged the support of South Africans for Ghana.

“Ghana has done the Continent proud and I believe that the Black Stars has what it takes represent the Continent” Vice President said.

“Your Excellency, you can rest assured that we will be solidly behind you this evening” South Africa Vice President added.

As a gesture, President Atta Mills presented Vice President Kgalame Mothlanthe with a Black Stars baseball cap.

There are strong indications that later this year, His Excellency President Atta Mills will pay a State visit to South Africa upon the invitation of his colleague and brother, President Jacob Zuma.

As put out prior to President Atta Mills’ departure from Accra, His Excellency the President will pay a visit to the Black Stars later on in the day to congratulate them for their performance so far and lift higher the spirit of the team with words of encouragement before the 1/16th stage march this evening against the United States of America.