Statement on the State Visit to Libya, 12-14 June 2002

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announces the state visit to and Joint Bilateral Commission meeting with Libya by President Thabo and Mrs. Mbeki from Wednesday, 12th June to Friday, 14th June 2002.

The Joint Bilateral Commission will, among others, discuss the following areas:

· The launch of the African Union in Durban later this year, and NEPAD;
· International issues such as WSSD, Middle East conflict, etc.;
· The enhancement of trade and investment relations by signing agreements on trade and protection of investment;
· The exploration of opportunities for South African companies in the upstream and downstream activities in the oil and hydrocarbon industries of the Libyan economy;
· The facilitation of bilateral air and maritime links as well as inter-African links;
· Securing the participation of Libyan investment companies (LAFICO and LAAICO) for investment in the privatisation of our State Owned Enterprises (SOEs); and
· Exploration of opportunities for the South African agricultural sector in the Libyan market.

The President's delegation will include Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma; Alec Erwin; Dullah Omar; Jeff Radebe; Thoko Didiza; Lindiwe Sisulu; Deputy Minister Susan Shabangu; Rev Chikane, Director-General in the Presidency and Titus Mafolo, political advisor to the President.

BACKGROUND

Democratic elections held in South Africa in April 1994 allowed the South African Government to consolidate its strong relationship with the Libyan Government. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1995 with Libya and South Africa signing a Declaration of Intent.

During his visit to Tripoli at the end of 1998, former President Mandela announced the intention of opening a mission in Tripoli. Ambassador Ebrahim Saley has since April 2001, been appointed as South Africa's representative to Libya.

In 1998 Minister Erwin and his counterpart initialled the final draft of a trade agreement in Sirte, Libya, which still needs to be formally signed. This was followed by an exchange of draft documents pertaining to agreements in the fields of agriculture (animal health), finance (avoidance of double taxation and customs cooperation), science and technology, tourism, sport, mines and minerals and joint commissions of cooperation.

In March 2001 a Joint Commission of Co-operation (JCC) was signed by Minister Dlamini-Zuma. A new Trade Agreement has also now been finalised (2001) and is ready for signature.

The following bilateral visits have taken place since the establishment of diplomatic relations:

· The late Minister Nzo visited Libya during April 1996;
· A parliamentary delegation, led by Ms T.E. Mtintso, (Member of Parliament), visited Libya during the first week of September 1996 to attend the 19th Conference of the Union of African Parliaments;
· The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, the late Mr Alfred Nzo, headed a South African delegation to attend an OAU Council of Ministers meeting in Tripoli during the end of February 1997;
· The Libyan Secretary-General for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, accompanied by a large delegation of representatives of Libyan State enterprises, visited South Africa during June 1997. He had successful discussions with the late Minister Nzo and a Declaration of Intent on General Cooperation was signed;
· Former President Mandela visited Libya twice in September/October 1997 en route to and from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the UK. On the second leg he presented President Qaddafi with a decoration;
· Deputy Minister Pahad led a business delegation to Libya in April 1998, after which a joint communiqué was signed;
· Early in 1999 former President Mandela and the King of Saudi Arabia announced a combined, special assignment, which dispatched Professor Gerwel and Prince Bandar on several trips to Libya; and former President Mandela again visited Libya in March 1999 to discuss the Lockerbie impasse.
· Minister Erwin led a business delegation to Libya in early May 1999. A trade agreement was finalised at the time and will be signed at the forthcoming JBC in Tripoli. Minister Erwin was accompanied by Minister Maduna and Deputy Minister Pahad.
· Former Minister of Communication, Mr Jay Naidoo travelled through Libya with his African Connection Rally, March 1999.
· Minister Dlamini-Zuma visited Libya in November 2000 regarding the release of Kallie and Monique Strydom hostage crisis).

During the Joint Bilateral Commission scheduled to coincide with the State Visit, it is expected that that several agreements may be signed:

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
10th June 2002