Accepting the credentials of new US ambassador Cameron Hume in Pretoria, he also recommitted South Africa to co-operate against what he described as a common threat.

"What happened on September 11 must have demonstrated to everybody the danger and horror of terrorism ... We will do whatever we can in the common interest."

Mbeki expressed his gratitude for the willingness of US President George W Bush to, at the recent United Nations general assembly meeting, meet African ministers and ensure them of the US' continued commitment of their continent, despite the demands the attacks imposed on the US government.

"This sent an important message to us as Africans and the rest of the world."

Mbeki said he and Bush discussed the Middle East. His US counterpart had indicated to him that he did not want the matter to be sidelined.

Hume, who only arrived in South Africa on Thursday morning, said South Africa would know that freedom and democracy did not only require a one-time struggle, but a continued commitment.

"If there were ever a time when we forgot that fundamental fact, it was brought back to us with stunning and sudden clarity by the events of September 11 this year."

Hume thanked the South African government for its co-operation so far in fighting terrorism. US embassy employees were overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy and support from many South Africans after the attacks, he said.

To new Algerian ambassador Fatiha Selmane, Mbeki conveyed condolences with the recent floods in her country that had claimed many lives.

"We are ready to extend whatever assistance you need."

He ascribed a large part of the success with the New Partnership for African Development (Nepad) so far to the efforts of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

"We know we have a reliable partner."

New French ambassador Jean Cadet said globalisation should be controlled so that it benefited all. South Africa was called upon to play a pivotal role in the international multi-polar community resulting from that process.

"Concerned with fighting against international economic disparities, we give strong support to Nepad... We see from this initiative the willingness of Africa to ensure the Renaissance... to amplify a dialogue which is no longer North-South but also South-North.

"In short, to feed a partnership which puts Africa well on the map."

Cadet said it was of primary importance to France that its companies invest in South Africa and that a partnership favouring employment and development be strengthened.

Calling France a leading partner of the African continent, Mbeki said Africa would not regain its rightful place without the help of that country and the European Union of which it formed part.

"We can't generate the necessary resources without your help."

On a lighter note, the President informed Cadet that Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was a student. He was referring to her French lessons.

"We work on a rotational basis," Mbeki quipped. "She goes to France for two weeks to study, then I go for two weeks."

He said it was necessary to improve his French.

"I know six words, maybe eight."

Cadet's predecessor, Tristan d'Albis had promised to get him a teacher, Mbeki said. "That's a matter we should look into."

Mbeki also received the credentials of the ambassadors of Myanmar, U Tin Latt; of Bulgaria, Kosyo Proykov Kitipov; and of Croatia, Matko Zupanic.

He made no mention of plans to learn Burmese, Bulgarian or Serbo-Croatian in the near future.