Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad Departs from Sweden to Turkey, Sunday, 12th October 2003

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad will today - Sunday, 12th October 2003 - depart for Sweden ahead of Deputy President Zuma for Turkey.

In Sweden, the Deputy President had co-chaired together with his counterpart, Margareta Winberg, the third session of the SA-Sweden Binational Commission in Stockholm from Wednesday, 8th to Friday, 10th October 2003.

In bilateral discussions between Deputy President Zuma and Deputy Prime Minister Winberg various important topics were raised and discussed. Among these was the importance of further intensified efforts for peacekeeping and conflict resolution, not least in Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Winberg congratulated South Africa on its successful facilitation of the Burundi peace process. A joint committee will be established to intensify our co-operation in the areas of conflict resolution and prevention.

It was agreed that Sweden and South Africa would continue to explore co-operation and dialogue on the matter of HIV and AIDS. The Deputy Prime Minister also raised the concern regarding the continued political and socio-economic deterioration in Zimbabwe. The Deputy President explained Africa´s position on the matter and initiatives underway.

Lastly, there was an agreement to try to jointly explore measures to move forward in the WTO negotiations. Prior to departure from Stockholm, the Deputy President and the delegation visited the DeLaval/TetraPak establishment which illustrated the way in which technology could e used to enhance diary farming. Following very detailed explanatins and illustrations the Deputy President agreed that this was definitely an area for co-operation between both countries especially through public-private partnerships.

Turkey

In Turkey, the Deputy President will lead the South African delegation in the first such high levelofficial visit to the country and will be accompanied by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Jeff Radebe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Susan Shabangu and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Lindiwe Hendricks.

During this visit, Deputy President Zuma will have bilateral consultations with his counterpart, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during which discussions are expected to focus on:
· The expansion and consolidation of bilateral political and economic relations;
· The operationalisation of the African Union and the implementation of NEPAD;
· Multilateral issues including post war Iraq, the escalation of conditions in the Middle East, reform of the United Nations, and the global fight against international terrorism. In this regard it will be important to ascertain the position of Turkey on these issues of global importance since Turkey is geo-strategically located in the region and is a key player in many matters including the war against Iraq.

In addition to strategic political relations, there exists significant potential for bilateral economic co-operation between both countries.

The Turkish economy is the 18th largest in the world and our largest trading partner in the region. Prior to the 2002 economic crisis it was the 16th largest. The economy is open and Turkey has already entered into Free Trade Agreements with 15 countries.

The Government is in the process of successfully implementing an IMF backed economic stability programme. The economy grew by 7,5% during 2002 and a growth rate of 4% to 5% is expected for 2003. During 2002 the inflation rate decreased from 80% to 30% and the target for 2003 is 20%. Turkish exports increased by 30% during 2002.

South African imports to Turkey consist mainly of automotive spare parts; woven pile and chenille fabrics; woven textiles of synthetic fibres; sanitary paper articles; small electrical home appliances; hazelnuts and motorcar tyres. Foreign Direct Investment from Turkey into South Africa amounts to US$ 60 million
Trade figures between both countries are as follows:

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 (USD Millions)

Turkish Imports: 132 256 278 488 400 685 345 207
Turkish Exports: 67 65 71 73 59 70 78 85
Total Trade: 199 321 349 561 459 755 423 292
Presently six Turkish companies, several of them household names in this country, have set up plants in South Africa: Zorlu - Kortex, Cankurtaran - Conti, Sumo Colliery SA, Sesli, Uludag Blankets, Ahlesa Textiles. There are over 50 registered Turkish companies trading or providing services in the tourism and restaurant sectors in South Africa.

South African companies resident in Turkey are: Macsteel in Istanbul; Grinaker Construction and Steinmueller Africa are involved in civil engineering projects. Companies with buying agents in Turkey are: Conlog; Mossop Western Leathers; Harvey Roofing; Breathetex; Samancor; Sappi; Sasol; Hulett Aluminium; Trident Midrand Steel; G. Mondiano SA; Aquazure Hatcheries; BEC/Disavascular Medical; Karoo Livestock Exports.

The following Agreements will be signed during the visit of the Deputy President:
i. Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement;
ii. Agreement on Co-operation in the fields of Education, Arts and Culture, Science and Technology, Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs; and
iii. Agreement on Police Co-operation.
While in Turkey, the Deputy President will also lay a wreath at the Atatürk Mausoleum, pay a courtesy call on President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, and interact with a business delegation consisting of both South African and Turkish representatives.

For further information contact:
· Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
· Nomfanelo Kota on 082 377 7208
· Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575
· Zanele Mngadi on 082 781 9332
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
12 October 2003


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