28 August 2007
Gordon Brown welcomed Nelson Mandela to Downing Street today, calling him the "most inspiring leader of our generation".
Speaking to reporters inside Number 10, the PM said it was a "privilege" to receive the former President of South Africa and his wife, Graca Machel, and that he was looking forward to their talks and also to the unveiling of a statue of Mr Mandela in London tomorrow.
The PM said:
"I am happy to welcome the most inspiring, greatest and most courageous leader of our generation. It is such a privilege to have Nelson Mandela and his wonderful wife, Graca Machel, with us today."
Mr Mandela, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, said he was "happy and proud" to be in the UK. The former leader of the African National Congress spent 27 years in prison before being released in 1990 and embarking on a political campaign based on reconciliation.
The Prime Minister has frequently expressed his admiration for the former South African president and his role in the struggle against apartheid, and wrote about him in his book Courage: Eight Portraits
Watch Mr Mandela arrive at Downing Street
Nelson Mandela speaks on his arrival at 10 Downing Street
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