JOHANNESBURG — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday urged South Africa to take a leading role in driving economies across the world’s poorest continent and called on the country to do more to press for reform in neighboring Zimbabwe.
Clinton also praised a warming in ties between the United States and South Africa since the recent elections in both countries of new presidents. In particular, she welcomed what she said would be increased cooperation in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In a speech to South African business leaders in Johannesburg, Clinton said that despite economic setbacks, the country is “uniquely positioned” to propel growth throughout Africa if it sticks to sound financial principles, embraces open trade and promotes foreign investment.
“The economic success of Africa hinges . . . to a great extent on the economic success of South Africa,” she said. “This is both a responsibility and an opportunity.”
Clinton gave the address after a private meeting with South Africa’s revered anti-apartheid leader and former President Nelson Mandela, who turned 91 last month.
Earlier, in the capital of Pretoria, Clinton made the case to South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane for more pressure on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to comply with a power-sharing agreement reached with a political rival.
She and Nkoana-Mashabane said they had agreed to step up efforts to push for the full implementation of the power-sharing agreement between Mugabe and former opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who became prime minister in March under the pact.
