Minister of Foreign Affairs to Co-Chair South Africa-India Joint Ministerial Commission, Pretoria, Thursday, 3rd - Friday, 4th July 2003

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will, together with her Indian counterpart, Yashwant Sinha co-chair the fifth session of the South Africa-India Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting in Pretoria from Thursday, 3rd - Friday, 4th July 2003.

The strategic partnership between South Africa and India was formalised during the State Visit by former President Nelson Mandela in March 1997 at which time the historic Red Fort Declaration was signed.

The Joint Ministerial Commission will afford an opportunity to address a range of bilateral political and economic issues, including the need to take stock of the implementation of critical decisions and resolutions emanating from previous bilateral interactions.

The JMC also presents a useful opportunity, within the context of the existing strategic partnership, to consider ways in which to effectively advance the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) for mutual benefit.

Opportunities for closer economic co-operation have been identified in the following areas:
· Mining, mining equipment and related services
· Capital equipment in the field of construction and related infrastructural development
· Agro-processed products
· Environmental equipment and related services
· Motor vehicles and components
· Engineering and financial services
· Information and Communication Technology

India and South Africa are strategic partners and are also leading members of important multilateral organisations such as the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth and the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC). South Africa and India are also members of the recently-constituted tripartite India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA).

A number of Draft Agreements will receive attention during the meeting. The following agreements have already been signed between South Africa and India since diplomatic relations were established on 22 November 1993:

· Red Fort Declaration on Strategic Partnership
· Agreement on the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Commission
· Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services
· Trade Agreement
· Agreement on Inter-state Relations and Co-operation
· Protocol on Co-operation between the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa
· Science and Technology Agreement
· Cultural Agreement
· Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement
· Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Defence Equipment
· Tourism Agreement
· Agreement on Co-operation in the fields of Geology and Mineral Resources
· Declaration of Intent on Co-operation in the field of Health and Medicine
· Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Co-operation
· Agreement on the Terms of Reference of the India-South Africa Commercial Alliance (ISACA)
· Agreement on the Programme of Co-operation in the field of Science and Technology
· Agreement on the Executive Programme for Cultural Co-operation between South Africa and India

India is currently South Africa's sixth largest trading partner in the Asian region. In addition, South Africa's total investment into India currently exceeds R209 million whereas India's investment into South Africa totals more than R 125 million.

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
2 July 2003