Far left, High Commissioner Bethel along with his colleagues from 15 other territories pose with President Jacob Zuma during a credentials ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Bahamas makes history as its first non resident High Commissioner His Excellency Eldred Bethel was accredited to South Africa.

High Commissioner Bethel presented his Letters of Credence to President Jacob Zuma on May 13th, 2016 at the Presidential guesthouse in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Bahamas and South Africa share a special relationship as  thirty one years ago The Bahamas made a significant contribution to the Liberation struggle in South Africa. It was in October 1985 some 48 Heads of Government of the Commonwealth came to The Bahamas for the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting. At the end of that CHOGM an historic document called The Nassau Accord was signed by the Heads.

High Commissioner Bethel during his remarks stated that The Bahamas was proud to be a key leader in the struggle for equality in South Africa.

"The Nassau Accord broke the back of the minority Government in South Africa. A short time after his release from prison Nelson Mandela came to the Bahamas to thank the Prime Minister of The Bahamas the late Sir Lynden Pindling for his efforts as Chair of the Commonwealth in 1985," stated High Commissioner Bethel.

Fifteen other countries presented their Letters of Credence they include the Republic of Tajikistan, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Republic of Montenegro, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Iceland,  Gabonese Republic, Republic of Italy, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Iraq, Republic of Haiti, Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of Chad, Apostolic Nunciature and the Slovak Republic.

Source: The Bahamas National