Mandela wishes to visit Seoul in March

President Kim Dae-Jung on Monday afternoon received a call from former South African President and fellow Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela congratulating Kim on his receiving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In the telephone conversation Mandela saluted the President for the prize, which Kim "richly deserved." He said he was deeply impressed by the achievements of President Kim, expressing his admiration and respect for his "devotion to the cause of democracy and peace against long odds, even suffering a long period of imprisonment."

Kim responded by paying tribute to the continued efforts of ex-President Mandela even after his retirement toward promoting human rights and peace, including his role in arranging the peace negotiations for Burundi. Kim called on the African leader to do a greater job for the humanity.

Mandela disclosed his wish to visit Korea around next March and meet President Kim, who told him that he too looks forward to seeing Mandela here next year. Kim conveyed also his best wishes for the prosperity of ex-President Mandela and South Africa.