S.Africa's Mbeki praises Britain

This is President Mbeki's first state visit to Britain

WINDSOR, England -- South African President Thabo Mbeki has thanked Britain for its support in ending apartheid seven years ago.

Mbeki and his wife were hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for the four-day state visit -- his first to Britain.

"We know it as a matter of fact that Her Majesty, the rest of the royal family and the people of these isles wish us well," he told a state banquet on Tuesday at Windsor Castle, the royal residence west of London, Reuters reported.

"We will strive constantly, in a principled manner, without bitterness, avoiding being driven by the animosities of the past, towards a future of happiness for all the children of our country, both black and white," he added.

Queen Elizabeth in turn praised Mbeki for maintaining the momentum of reform, Reuters said.

"It is to your credit. Mr President, that this drive forward has continued," she said. "It is easy to forget just how much has been achieved."

The Queen promised that Britain would continue to give South Africa full support.

The Queen and Mbeki earlier rode through the town in a horse-drawn procession of seven carriages.

In carriages behind them, eight South African government ministers either sat stony-faced or waved to the crowd, Reuters said.

Trade, investment, conflicts across Africa, particularly growing anarchy in Zimbabwe, security and globalisation will feature during the four-day visit, but the AIDS pandemic devastating the continent not on the agenda.

Mbeki has been criticised for questioning the link between HIV and AIDS, and his government has come under attack for being slow to provide anti-retroviral drugs to millions of HIV-infected people.

Mbeki will meet newly re-elected Prime Minister Tony Blair during his stay.

The South African president will urge foreign investment in his country where local investment is inadequate to create the growth needed to tackle unemployment of over 30 percent, diplomats say.