By Taiwan Today

TAIPEI, Taiwan, (MOFA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Friendship Medal of Diplomacy was awarded June 24 to Robert Seraki Matsebe, head of the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taiwan, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening Taiwan-South Africa relations.

Conferred by MOFA vice-minister Alexander Tah-ray Yu, the medal reflects the deep-seated appreciation of the government and people for the outgoing representative's tireless efforts in expanding bilateral exchanges across a broad spectrum of areas, the ministry said.

During Matsebe's four-year term, he expanded cooperation between the two countries largely in the fields of culture, education and trade, the ministry said. Another example of Matsebe's success is promoting exchanges between Taipei and its sister cities Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as Kaohsiung and Durban, the MOFA added.

Matsebe, in response, said he is deeply touched by the honor, adding that the warm hospitality and friendship of the people he experienced while in Taiwan will long remain in his heart.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said:“Vice minister Yu awarded Representative Matsebe our Friendship Medal of Diplomacy in recognition of his efforts to deepen friendship and expand exchanges between #Taiwan & #SoutAfrica. We thank the country’s good friend for his 4 years of service and wish him all the best for the future.” (SFC-E)

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