Media statement
04 November 2014
Deputy Minister Mfeketo undertakes Working Visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan
Ms Nomaindiya Mfeketo, Deputy Minister of International and Cooperation, will co-chair the 4th South Africa - Kazakhstan Bilateral Consultations together with her counterpart, Mr Askar Mussinov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on 5 - 6 November 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
South Africa and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations on 5 March 1992. The South African Embassy in Kazakhstan was established in December 2003 in Almaty, and the first Ambassador presented his credentials on 8 August 2005. Kazakhstan opened its Embassy in Pretoria in December 2013.
South Africa’s participation in the Bilateral Consultations will be informed by its national interests and priorities, its regional and continental commitments, as well as its aspirations for a prosperous world at peace with itself. South Africa is committed to strengthening its relationship with Kazakhstan, a key country in the Central Asian region.
During the Bilateral Consultations, Deputy Minister Mfeketo will convey the priorities of the Government of South Africa as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP), South Africa’s roadmap to build a more equitable society in South Africa by 2030. The Bilateral Consultations will also prepare for the State Visit to South Africa by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2015.
South Africa and Kazakhstan, both emerging economies and key members of the South, share many similar views on multilateral issues, e.g. disarmament, regional economic integration and the development of the African continent.
Trade relations between South Africa and Kazakhstan are still developing. However, there are long-term trade and investment opportunities for South African companies and business persons in Kazakhstan, and vice versa. Economic opportunities for South Africa in Kazakhstan include infrastructural development; mining technology; energy exploitation; related mining and engineering technology; agro-processing expertise and export; as well as ecotourism.
South African exports to Kazakhstan are mainly fruit and fruit products; machinery; steel and steel products; and diamonds and precious stones. Kazakhstan’s exports to South Africa include base metals and articles of base metals.
The Bilateral Consultations will be preceded by a Business Forum to encourage greater networking between the business communities of both countries.
For more information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
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