Saying the United States was intent on partnership with South Africa, Vice President Al Gore started work Saturday on a trip meant to ease discord over South Africa’s planned arm sales to Syria.

“The world looks to South Africa and feels true inspiration and joy at its progress,” Gore said. “We in the United States want to be your good friends and partner.”

Gore landed in Cape Town from the east coast port city of Durban, where he talked with labor leaders and visited a wildlife preserve earlier Saturday.

“Your visit so soon after the presidential elections is a symbol of the special relationship that is developing between our two countries,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad.