Minister Dlamini Zuma to host her Sudanese counterpart, 20 February 2009

Cape Town – Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will, on Friday 20 February 2009, hold bilateral discussions with her Sudanese counterpart, Dr Deng Alor Kuol at the Groote Schuur House, Cape Town.

The bilateral talks will take place within the context of strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and the Sudan.

South Africa and the Sudan conduct their bilateral relations through the Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) which convenes at both Ministerial and Senior Officials’ levels.  The last session of the JBC between South Africa and the Sudan took place on 07 – 09 June 2008 in Khartoum. 

South Africa is involved in a Capacity and Institution Building Project for Southern Sudan, which was launched in February 2005.  Since the launch of the Project, over 1, 000 GOSS Officials have received training and currently, 64 GOSS Officials are receiving training in the fields of Legal Affairs and Mines and Energy in South Africa.

Furthermore, the South African Police Services is finalising preparations for the training of Sudanese Police.  Minister Dlamini Zuma is the Chair of the African Union Committee on the Post-conflict Reconstruction of the Sudan. 

In March 2003, Minister Dlamini Zuma led a delegation to the Sudan to, among others; assess the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace agreement.

Following the fighting in Abyei in May 2008, which resulted in the displacement of large numbers of civilians, South Africa in collaboration with the Gift of Givers donated a humanitarian consignment to alleviate the suffering of the people of Abyei.

Minister Deng Alor is expected to depart for Sudan on 21 February 2009.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X 152
Pretoria
0001

19 February 2009