Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad Leads South African Delegation to Fifth SA-Japan Partnership Forum

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Aziz Pahad today, Tuesday 21 May, arrived in Japan where he is leading a delegation of senior South African Government officials to the Fifth Partnership Forum between South Africa and Japan scheduled for 21 May - Friday, 24 May 2002.

The delegation will comprise of officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry and Health.

The Partnership Forum between South Africa and Japan was instituted in 1998 when then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki visited Japan. The Forum aims to establish a formal framework for discussion between the two countries to strengthen bilateral and multilateral co-operation and to increase dialogue over a wide range of issues. This meeting occurs in the year that also marks the 10th year of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Partnership Forum is set to expand on the positive outcome of the State Visit by President Mbeki to Japan in October 2001, and the Joint Communique that was issued during the visit. The Forum will also expand on Japan's African policy which was recently confirmed by Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi in a major foreign policy speech in March 2002 in which she designated the period until TICAD III in 2003 as the "Year for Soaring Co-operation with Africa".

In the last decade, Japan has consistently been among South Africa's top three trade partners internationally, and South Africa's most important trade partner in Asia. In 2000, total trade amounted to R31.7 billion.

After the democratic transformation in 1994, Japanese FDI in South Africa increased from virtually nothing to US $ 500 million dollars. Since 1994, the Japanese Government has granted two substantial ODA packages to South Africa. On the occasion of the inauguration of President Mbeki in June 1999, Japan announced a second ODA package for South Africa in the amount of US $ 1. 5 billion dollars for socio-economic projects largely targeted at the previously disadvantaged in South Africa. Furthermore, during the Okinawa Millenium Summit, Japan announced the Okinawa Initiative in regard to IT development (US $ 15 billion dollars), and for the combating of infectious diseases in the developing world (US $ 3 billion dollars).

South Africa has also participated in a variety of capacity building programmes in Japan.
In international fora South Africa and Japan share several common interests, including the reform of the UN system, disarmament, the peaceful resolution of conflict and sustainable development as the best guarantor of peace, prosperity and stability.

Bilateral issues which will be discussed during the Forum include trade and investment, science and technology, Japanese Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), tourism promotion, health, communication (ICT) and cultural and education exchange.

Under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), South Africans have participated in a variety of training programmes in Japan. These include: law enforcement, good governance, tourism, energy conservation, vocational training, trade promotion, development administration, rural development in the field of agriculture, small and medium scale business enterprises, community health administration, etc. At the beginning of 2001, South Africa and Japan signed an agreement in regard to the dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to South Africa. These volunteers will be deployed initially to lend assistance in the educational, health and agricultural sectors.
With regard to multilateral issues, the Forum will discuss the WSSD to be hosted by South Africa in August 2002, the G8 Kananakis Summit , UN reform and WTO matters.

In addition, Deputy Minister Pahad will use the opportunity to brief the Japanese Government on the current status of Africa's renewal, including progress towards the establishment of the African Union (AU) and developments with regard to NEPAD. In this regard, the Forum will discuss the linkage between the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD) and the NEPAD process.

The participation by the Deputy Minister in this Forum comes at a critical time when SA is lobbying for support for NEPAD. As a strong economy Japan's support of the principals of NEPAD will augur well for the backing of NEPAD during the G-8 Summit in Kananakis at the end of June this year.
Since the normalisation of bilateral relations in 1992, Japan has regularly indicated that both South Africa and Japan are unique within their regional geographic contexts, and that both are driving economic forces in their respective regions. In this regard, South Africa, in the intricate network of international relations, regards Japan as a significant and strategic partner.

Against this background, the fifth Partnership Forum will build on the solid foundation established by ten years of formal diplomatic relations, during which co-operation between the two countries has soared.

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
21 May 2002

BACKGROUND

A HISTORIC OVERVIEW OF THE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP LEADING UP TO THE STATE VISIT OF OCTOBER 2001

The period 1992 to 2000

Approximately ten years ago, South Africa and Japan were somewhat unknown quantities to each other, and although consular relations were upgraded to full diplomatic relations on 13 January 1992, a measure of caution continued to exist for some time with the established political order in Japan. However, relatively early in his Presidency, in mid-1995, former President Nelson Mandela visited Japan to demonstrate the high regard and value South Africa placed on its relations with this major East Asian country.

South Africa's relations with Japan really took off in real terms in April 1998 when then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki paid a successful working visit to Japan. The purpose of this visit was to introduce him to the Japanese political and economic establishment - policy makers, opinion formers and the captains of industry. In his discussions with then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, South Africa and Japan acknowledged each other as important partners in their pursuit of a common world order based on peace, democracy, justice and equality. They also, while recognising the comprehensive political and economic relationship already existing between the two countries, resolved to deepen, strengthen and diversify the bilateral relationship. It was also during this visit that Mr Mbeki first articulated his African Renaissance concept, for the integration of Africa as an equal member of a globalised world community.

Notwithstanding the generous US 1.5 billion dollars Official Development Assistance (ODA) package granted by Japan to assist South Africa with nation building in 1994, the Joint Communique, which was issued on 9 April 1998 at the conclusion of the visit ("Partnership between South Africa and Japan for the 21st Century"), acknowledged that Japan had an important contribution to make to the economic modernisation and development of Africa, as well as supporting conflict resolution and peace-keeping efforts in the continent.

In demonstration of the growing evolution of the African Renaissance concept and to underline the growing importance South Africa attached to its bilateral relationship with Japan, then Deputy President Mbeki also attended the Second Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD II) in October 1998, where he delivered a key note address on the African Renaissance. On this occasion Mr Mbeki also held discussions with the late Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.

A hallmark of President Mbeki is his emphasis on the importance of building personal relationships with his political interlocateurs, both in and out of office. This has stood him in good stead in his promotion of an equal partnership for Africa with the developing world. In October 2000, he and the presidents of Nigeria and Algeria were delegated to engage members of the G8 at the Okinawa Millennium Summit in discussions pertinent to Africa's renewal. Fundamental to the success of this undertaking with the leaders of the industrialised world was Japanese goodwill to facilitate the dialogue between North and South.

On other fronts, Japan has also been active in its engagement of both South Africa and Africa. On the occasion of the inauguration of President Mbeki in June 1999, Japan announced a second ODA package for South Africa in the amount of US 1, 5 billion dollars for socio-economic projects largely targeted at the previously disadvantaged in South Africa. Furthermore, during the Okinawa Millenium Summit, Japan announced the Okinawa Initiative in regard to IT development (US 15 billion dollars), and for the combating of infectious diseases in the developing world (US 3 billion dollars).

In January 2001, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori paid a historic visit to South Africa, the first visit by a serving Japanese Prime Minister to Africa. He and President Mbeki held in depth one-on-one discussions on a variety of bilateral and multilateral issues. Prime Minister Mori also delivered a key note address during which he emphasised Japan's contribution to global peace and prosperity, and Japan's wish to synchronise the TICAD process with NEPAD (New Partnership for African Development).

Following the visit of Mr Mori to South Africa, Dr F Ginwala, the Speaker of Parliament and Mr C Ramaphosa, a high profile businessman, were invited to join Japan's initiative in regard to the International Commission on Human Security. This Commission has access to the Human Security Fund sponsored by Japan and deals with issues related to anti-personnel landmines, illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, the situation in the Middle East, education on human rights, international humanitarian law, peace support operations, gender and human security, corporate citizenship, HIV/Aids and human security, children and human security, human security and public security (terrorism) and the human security index (ie. deviation from the norm).

Apart from the considerable ODA packages which Japan has made available to South Africa, Japan also actively encourages human resources development. Under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), South Africans have participated in a variety of training programmes in Japan. These include: law enforcement, good governance, tourism, energy conservation, vocational training, trade promotion, development administration, rural development in the field of agriculture, small and medium scale business enterprises, community health administration, etc. At the beginning of 2001, South Africa and Japan signed an agreement in regard to the dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to South Africa. These volunteers will be deployed initially to lend assistance in the educational, health and agricultural sectors.

2001 and the State Visit of President Mbeki to Japan

The State Visit of President Mbeki in October 2001, was the highest level visit to Japan in 2001. It can be regarded as a high water mark in the ever-expanding bilateral relationship.

During his visit to Japan, President Mbeki and Mrs Mbeki had an audience with the Emperor and Empress. In 1998, then Deputy President and Mrs Mbeki were also accorded the courtesy of meeting the Emperor and Empress. It has long been South Africa's wish to welcome members of the Imperial Family to South Africa, and to reciprocate the kind and gracious hospitality accorded to South African Heads of State or Government. (There is a possibility that a visit to South Africa by the Emperor could be scheduled for 2003/2004).

A fundamental objective of the State Visit of President Mbeki was to engage the newly elected Head of Government of Japan over a broad spectrum of issues in regard to the promotion of South Africa's national interest and values. This objective was realised with the one-on-one discussions with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, during which a wide range of views were exchanged on both bilateral and multilateral issues, including African regional issues. Prime Minister Koizumi later stated that "The problem of Africa is one of the most important issues of our global foreign policy."

The culmination of this aforementioned meeting, which was later expanded to include various Cabinet Ministers, was a new Joint Communique, the "Japan - South Africa Partnership in the New Century", which was issued on 2 October 2002. This document sets a framework for both bilateral and multilateral inter action, and lends additional weight to the growing rapport between Japan and South Africa, the commonalties in the relationship as well as articulating issues dear to the African continent.

While in Tokyo, members of the South African delegation held discussions on issues relating to trade and investment, health, capacity building etc. The Japan - South Africa Business Forum was also inaugurated and held its first meeting. The purpose of this private-sector driven initiative is the promotion of trade, investment and tourism.

Fundamental to the State Visit was the objective of building relationships in support of trade and investment and to promote a constructive relationship with the Japanese private sector. Influential Japanese captains of industry had a first hand opportunity to be briefed on South African and African realities and prospects for expanding the economic relationship. President Mbeki also addressed the Five Economic Federations of Japan (Keidanren, Nihon Shoko Kaigisho, Nikkeiren, Keizai Doyukai and Nihon Boekikai).

President Mbeki gave a keynote address on issues relating to the NEPAD process at the United Nations University where he addressed academics, the media, think tanks and members of the diplomatic corps. This opportunity showcased South Africa and highlighted positive trends in the African political landscape, specifically the sincerity of a core group of African leaders and the serious light in which they view their obligations for Africa's renewal: fostering democracy, good governance and free-market policies, as well as their desired engagement with strategic partners in the industrialised world.

The President was also instrumental in promoting people - to - people relations by meeting influential members of both the House of Counsellors (Lower House) as well as the Senate, who have a special interest in South Africa and Africa.

The Joint Communique of 2 October is a master framework document to guide Japanese - South African interaction in the short-, medium- and long-term. It includes:

· Africa
· Acknowledgement that there will be no stability and prosperity in the world in the twenty-first century unless the problems of Africa are resolved;
· Acknowledgement that Africa is one of the most important global foreign policy issues;
· Affirmation of the principles of Africa's "ownership of solutions" and "partnership with the international community" regarding African development issues;
· Acknowledgement by Japan of the substantial progress made with the reform of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the transformation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), into the African Union (AU). Japan committed itself to support the strengthening of these organisations; and
· Both welcomed the efforts initiated by African leaders to prevent and resolve conflict in the continent.

· Common World Order and Terrorism
· Acknowledgement of the Japan - South African partnership in the pursuit of a common World Order based on peace, democracy, justice and equality;
· Condemnation of the terrorist attacks in the United States of America on September 11, which constitute a grave challenge to freedom, peace and democracy; and
· Acknowledgement that the international community needs to stand firmly together against terrorism.

· North - South and multilateral cooperation
· Expressed the need to strengthen the cooperative relationship between North and South towards the achievement of international peace and prosperity;
· Expressed the need to intensify cooperation in regard to the successful conclusion of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and to strengthen cooperation on various global environmental issues;
· Confirmation of the intention to cooperate and play an active role to launch a new WTO round (Doha, Qatar in November 2001), and to strengthen and improve WTO rules and other issues, while responding to the legitimate concerns of the developing countries;
· Acknowledgement of the importance of the role of the United Nations in world peace, stability and prosperity; and
· Confirmation to work together for the early realisation of UN reforms, such as the Security Council (expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership). South Africa expressed support for a permanent seat for Japan in a reformed UN Security Council, while Japan expressed support for developing countries' representation, including African representation.

Development Cooperation and Assistance
· Japan acknowledged the importance it attaches to cooperation with South Africa in IT and expressed its willingness to facilitate cooperation for IT dissemination throughout Africa;
· Japan drew attention to its active implementation of a US 3 billion dollars programme over five years under the Okinawa Infectious Diseases Initiative, also for African countries; and
· Japan emphasised its intention to contribute US 200 million dollars to the Global HIV/AIDS and Health Fund.
· NEPAD and TICAD
· Both welcomed the "Millennium Africa Recovery Programme" (NEPAD), adopted by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit Meeting in July 2001, and emphasised the principles of democracy, good governance and sustainable development;
· Japan expressed its intention to actively support NEPAD through the TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) process in cooperation with other G8 countries; and
· Japan indicated that NEPAD should be one of the central themes to be discussed at the TICAD Ministerial Level Meeting in Tokyo (December 2001).

Economic Interaction
· Both expressed appreciation for the establishment of the Japan-South Africa Business Forum between business organisations and its first meeting (held on 3 October 2001), which was an example of the growing dialogue between the two countries;
· South Africa acknowledged the high quality investments from Japan in the Southern Africa region with the accompanying transfer of technology and employment creation; and
· Japan expressed its commitment to encourage private investment in African countries, including Southern Africa, while South Africa acknowledged the importance of efforts to improve the South African investment environment.

· Bilateral relations
· Japan expressed its appreciation of South Africa's endeavours towards nation building within the spirit of national reconciliation, and expressed its intention to implement measures to support South Africa's efforts in promoting economic and social reforms aimed at the alleviation of poverty and the eradication of social inequality;
· Both confirmed the need to consult regularly at senior officials' level on bilateral issues, global issues such as UN reform, the environment, disarmament, non-proliferation, food safety and human security, as well as on problems facing Africa, such as conflict and refugees;
· Confirmation to begin negotiations on a science and technology agreement, the first ever with an African country;
· South Africa acknowledged the continued assistance and opportunities for capacity training facilitated through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and
· Both emphasised the importance of tourism and of cultural and sporting exchanges, and undertook to promote the exchange of youth within the framework of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme and the dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) to South Africa.

As outlined in the Joint Communique, South Africa values foreign direct investment from Japan. Prior to 1994, there was no foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan in South Africa. However, in the last six years, more than 20 per cent of FDI in excess of US 500 million dollars have been made, predominantly in the metals, minerals and automotive sectors.

In the last decade, Japan has remained South Africa's most important trade partner in Asia, and has consistently ranked as either South Africa's third or fourth most important trade partner internationally. Minister A Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry who accompanied the President during the State Visit, is a regular visitor to Japan to promote inter alia a better understanding of South Africa's economic opportunities for key Japanese business players.

Furthermore, illustrative of the growing rapport between South Africa and Japan in the immediate period preceding the State Visit, the two countries cooperated closely on issues pertaining to the alignment of the TICAD and NEPAD processes. This culminated in the attendance of Dr Dlamini Zuma at the Ministerial Conference for a TICAD III in Tokyo in December 2001. On that occasion, South Africa was granted the opportunity to showcase progress on developments relating to NEPAD, and to discuss the NEPAD process in the context of the TICAD II review process. The meeting expressed strong support for the efforts of Africa and the international community to strengthen the principles of TICAD, i.e. the acknowledgement of African ownership of the development process, and the partnership between Africa and its development partners to support African renewal. Furthermore, NEPAD's alignment with TICAD was formally acknowledged.
More recently Japan appointed a Special Envoy for NEPAD, Mr N Odano, Deputy Director General for Sub-Saharan Africa in the Japanese Foreign Ministry, who ally visited South Africa In February 2002 for the so-called Africa Dialogue discussions.

In December 2001, to give expression to the Joint Communique, Mr W Miyamoto, the Director for Arms Control and Scientific Affairs held discussions with senior South African officials in the context of the UN Dialogue process. In January 2002, Minister Zuma attended the Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan. Although South Africa was not in a position to pledge material assistance, South Africa announced its willingness to share its expertise in land mine clearance.

Since the normalisation of bilateral relations, Japan has regularly indicated that both South Africa and Japan are unique within their regional geographic contexts, and that both are the driving economic forces in their respective regions. In this regard, South Africa, in the intricate network of international relations, regards Japan as a significant and strategic partner. The Joint Communique of 9 April 1998, set a framework for the Japan -South Africa Partnership Forum, a "formal - informal structured meeting" to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. To date four meetings have taken place, and a fifth meeting is scheduled for mid-2002.

Japan is a key country of the North, while South Africa has a substantial voice in matters affecting the interests of the South. Although South Africa and Japan are culturally and historically foreign to each other, the State Visit provided ongoing momentum to bridge North - South differences to strengthen the cooperative relationship towards the achievement of international peace and prosperity. Japan is a key country of the North, while South Africa has a substantial voice in matters affecting the interests of the South.

The State Visit by President Mbeki to Japan, permeates all facets of the ever expanding bilateral relationship, and also affects multilateral commonalities in various international arenas. The significance of the State Visit lies in the President's sincere articulation of Africa's seriousness to set its house in order, both politically and economically, and to foster a new relationship with the industrialised world. In this regard, South Africa highly values Japan's support for the NEPAD process and the revitalisation of the African continent.

Japan-SA Joint Communiqué

"JAPAN-SOUTH AFRICA PARTNERSHIP IN THE NEW CENTURY" TOKYO, 2 OCTOBER 2001

1. His Excellency Mr Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and his wife, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, accompanied by six Ministers including Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr B Ngubane, Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology; Mr A Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry; Mr V Moosa, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Ms AT Didiza, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs; and Dr ME Tshabalala-Msimang, Minister of Health, paid a state visit to Japan from 1 to 3 October 2001, at the invitation of the Government of Japan. During the course of the visit they had an audience with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace on October 1.

2. On October 1, President Mbeki met Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and a wide range of views on bilateral relations, African regional issues, and multilateral issues were exchanged. President Mbeki renewed an invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to visit South Africa. President Mbeki also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Koizumi to visit South Africa.

Prime Minister Koizumi re-affirmed Japan's policy statement on Africa, made by then Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori during his visit to South Africa in January 2001, which emphasised the importance of support for development, conflict resolution and refugee aid. He reiterated that "There will be no stability and prosperity in the world in the twenty-first century unless the problems of Africa are resolved" and that "The problem of Africa is one of the most important issues for our global foreign policy."

3. During the course of their discussions, both sides acknowledged each other as important partners in the pursuit of a common World Order based on peace, democracy, justice and equality, and that the already comprehensive political and economic relationship existing between the two countries, needs to be further deepened, strengthened and diversified.

4. President Mbeki and Prime Minister Koizumi strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in the United States of America on September 11, which were a grave challenge to freedom, peace and democracy and which could never be forgotten. They expressed their condolences to the families and friends of all those who lost their lives. Both countries emphasised that the international community needs to stand firmly together against terrorism and also confirmed that they are ready to take every possible measure for this purpose.

5. Both countries confirmed their common views on many of the issues facing the international community in the twenty-first century and expressed their determination to strengthen the cooperative relationship between North and South towards the achievement of international peace and prosperity. Japan commended South Africa's leadership as the chair of various international fora including the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) and the Commonwealth, and its contributions to such international conferences as the UN World Conference Against Racism (WCAR).

6. The two countries decided to intensify cooperation towards the successful conclusion of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. Cooperation will also be strengthened on various global environmental issues, including global warming and fresh water resources, while taking note of the Seventh Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP7) to be held from October to November 2001 and the Third World Water Forum in Kyoto in March 2003.

7. Both countries confirmed their intention to cooperate and play an active role in order to launch a new WTO round at the Fourth Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar in November 2001, with a sufficiently broad agenda including the strengthening and improvement of WTO rules and other issues, while responding to the legitimate concerns of the developing countries.

8. Both countries acknowledged the importance of the role of the United Nations in world peace, stability and prosperity and confirmed their position to work together for the early realisation of UN reforms, starting with the reform of the Security Council including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership. In this regard, President Mbeki reiterated South Africa's support for a permanent seat for Japan in a reformed UN Security Council. Likewise, Japan expressed its support for developing countries' representation, including African representation in a reformed UN Security Council.

9. Both countries acknowledged the dialogue between the leaders of the G8 and developing countries, initiated by Japan during the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit in July 2000 and continued at the Genoa Summit in July 2001, as a typical example of successful cooperation between North and South. Japan attaches importance to cooperation with South Africa in the area of information technology (IT) and expressed its willingness to facilitate cooperation for IT dissemination throughout Africa. Japan also emphasised its active implementation of a US$ 3 billion programme over five years under the "Okinawa Infectious Diseases Initiative", also for African countries, which are most seriously affected by infectious diseases (ID). At the same time, Japan repeated its intention to contribute US$200 million to the Global HIV/AIDS and Health Fund, which is highly appreciated by the international community. South Africa welcomed the policy visits by Japanese IT and ID task teams to various African countries in this regard earlier in the year.

10. Both countries re-affirmed their conviction that African development should recognise the principles of Africa's "ownership of solutions" and "partnership with the international community." They welcomed the fact that the "Millennium Africa Recovery Programme/New African Initiative" (MAP/NAI), adopted by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit Meeting in July 2001, emphasised the principles of democracy, good governance and sustainable development. Japan expressed its intention to actively support this initiative through the TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) process - in cooperation with other G8 countries. Japan proposed that the MAP/NAI should be one of the central themes to be discussed at the TICAD Ministerial Level Meeting in Tokyo scheduled in December 2001. South Africa expressed its appreciation of Japan's leading role in calling the attention of the international community to African issues through the TICAD and the G8 summit processes and both countries expressed their trust that the international community would heed the call to contribute towards the development of Africa.

11. Both countries welcomed the establishment of the Japan-South Africa Business Forum between their business organisations and its first meeting scheduled to be held on 3 October 2001, which serves as an example of the growing dialogue between the two countries. They also welcomed the high quality investments from Japan in the Southern Africa region in recent years, with the accompanying transfer of technology and employment creation. Japan expressed its commitment to encourage private investment in African countries, including Southern Africa. South Africa, on its side, acknowledged the importance of efforts to improve its own investment environment. They looked forward to increasing trade, investment and economic joint ventures between the two economies.

12. Furthermore, Japan also welcomed the substantial progress made with the reform of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the transformation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), into the African Union (AU). Japan committed itself to support the strengthening of these organisations.

13. The two countries welcomed the efforts initiated by African leaders to prevent and resolve conflict and acknowledged inter alia the progress made towards the launching of an Inter-Congolese dialogue, considered as crucial for the resolution of conflict and national reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the progress of national reconciliation in Burundi and progress towards the resolution of the land question in Zimbabwe.

14. Japan expressed its appreciation of South Africa's endeavours towards nation building within the spirit of national reconciliation, and expressed its intention to implement measures to support South Africa's efforts in promoting economic and social reforms aimed at the alleviation of poverty and the eradication of social inequality.

15. President Mbeki and Prime Minister Koizumi re-affirmed the contents of the Japan-South Africa Joint Communiqué on a "Partnership between Japan and South Africa towards the 21st Century" issued on 9 April 1998. They also welcomed the fact that based on this Communiqué; the relationship between the two countries has been steadily reinforced and reiterated their determination to make continuous efforts to establish a balanced cooperative relationship in various fields. Both countries confirmed that the "Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum", which has convened four times so far, has re-enforced their relationship in a variety of areas and confirmed the utility of this forum in promoting the implementation of concrete proposals in a wide range of fields in the future. Within this framework, the two countries decided to consult regularly at senior officials' level on global issues such as UN reform, the environment, disarmament, non-proliferation, food safety and human security, as well as on problems facing Africa, such as conflict and refugees.

16. Welcoming progress on bilateral cooperation in the area of science and technology, both Governments decided to start negotiations with a view to conclude an agreement on science and technology cooperation. They also shared the view that the conclusion of the first ever agreement on science and technology cooperation, based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit between Japan and an African country would be of great significance.

17. In the area of agricultural and rural development, South Africa acknowledged the continued assistance and opportunities for capacity training facilitated through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and both countries reiterated the importance of ongoing cooperation in these sectors.

18. Both countries emphasised the importance of tourism and of cultural and sporting exchanges in support of the bilateral relationship and recognised the necessity of cultivating mutual understanding and friendship at all levels. Both countries took note of the increase in tourism from Japan to South Africa and they confirmed their intention, in particular, to promote the exchange of youth within the framework of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme and the dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) to South Africa.