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Statement on the Bilateral Meeting Between
Presidents Mbeki and Chissano in Maputo, 21 November
2002
President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Minister of Trade
and Industry Alec Erwin, will pay a working visit to
Mozambique on Thursday 21 November 2002 where he will
hold bilateral discussions with his Mozambican counterpart
President Joachim Chissano.
The meeting takes place in the context of an understanding
reached between the two Presidents to meet on a quarterly
and rotational basis between South Africa and Mozambique
to consolidate economic bilateral relations between
the two countries. In this context, the two Presidents
met on 3-4 May during President Mbeki's state visit
to Mozambique.
The meeting will focus on progress made in respect
of the implementation of the macro-economic bilateral
projects between the two countries such as:
- US$ 1. 3 billion Mozal Aluminium smelter project
in Maputo
- Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park;
- Cahora Bassa;
- Transport networks in Mozambique;
- Cross Border Gas Pipeline;
- Development projects such as the Maputo Development
Corridor estimated at US$8 billion;
- Sasol natural gas pipeline which is anticipated
may add 20% to Mozambique's GDP upon completion.
In terms of the 2001 SA exports to Mozambique accounted
for R5, 389 956 billion. South Africa's imports from
Mozambique amount to R283 874 million. Current investment
by SA in Mozambique exceeds US$ 7 billion. Trade is
also on the increase with 57. 2% of SA's exports destined
for Mozambique. South Africa in turn absorbs 26.2 %
of Mozambique's exports. These figures render South
Africa as Mozambique's largest investment and trading
partner.
South Africa and Mozambique enjoy warm and fraternal
political bilateral relations that date back to the
support rendered to the broad liberation movement during
the struggle against apartheid. The two countries share
a strong commitment to the principles of NEPAD and the
building of the AU.
The fraternal bilateral relations are characterised
by regular and increasing interaction at Presidential,
Ministerial, parliamentary and other spheres of co-operation.
The relations were further strengthened by the decision
by the South African Government through the SANDF task
teams to render live saving logistical air search and
rescue support to the Mozambican people during the devastating
2000/2001 seasonal floods in which more than 15 000
lives were saved and tons of food delivered to flood
victims in several Mozambican provinces.
Furthermore, the Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation
(JPCC) between the two countries successfully held its
second meeting on 4-5 December 2001 in Pretoria. The
Commission takes place every two years. In this regard,
more than 20 bilateral agreements covering all spheres
of co-operation including Operation Rachel (aimed at
the non-proliferation of small arms which saw more than
a thousand tons of small arms, landmines and unexploded
devices were destroyed), have been signed between the
two countries.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X 152
Pretoria
0001
20 November 2002
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