McGuinness attends South African inauguration

Martin and Bernie McGuinness are pictured with Nelson Mandela

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP attended the inauguration of South African President Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday.

Whiule there, he held brief discussions with President Mbeki and had meetings meetings with the Chief ANC negotiator Cyril Ramaphosa and the Chief PLO negotiator Said Arakat. McGuinness also held discussions with the South African deputy Foreign Minister.

"This year marks the tenth anniversary of freedom being achieved for the South African people and the end of the apartheid regime," said McGuinness before he left. "Sinn Féin has enjoyed a close relationship with the ANC over many years and they have provided invaluable support and advice throughout the course of our own peace process here in Ireland.

"I am honoured to be representing Sinn Féin at President Mbeki's inauguration as he embarks upon his second term as South African President."

Martin McGuinness and his wife Bernie are pictured meeting with former South African President Nelson Mandela last year.