|
EU-South Africa Ministerial Troika,
Dublin, 2 April 2004
Within the framework of EU-South Africa dialogue, the
EU-South Africa Ministerial meeting, in Troika format,
was held in Dublin on 2 April 2004, under the Co-chairs
of the Honourable Brian Cowen, Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Ireland and Honourable Dr. N.C. Dlamini Zuma, Minister
for Foreign Affairs of South Africa. The EU Troika also
included the Minister for Development Co-operation of
The Netherlands, Honourable Agnes van Ardenne, and the
Member of the European Commission for Development and
Humanitarian Affairs Poul Nielson.
1. EU-South Africa Relations
Ministers welcomed this first meeting of a structured
political dialogue between South Africa and the EU.
They also recognised that it heralded a new era in the
relations between South Africa and the EU. South Africa
welcomed the completion of ratification procedures of
the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA)
by the EU Member States. Both parties recognised that
ratification marks the beginning of full implementation
of the EU- South Africa TDCA, signed in October 1999.
Ministers appreciated the positive results emanating
from the provisional application of the TDCA, provisionally
applied from January 2000 and which has resulted in
a 50% growth in trade between South Africa and the EU.
South Africa expressed appreciation and gratitude to
the Governments and peoples of the EU for their active
support and financial contributions towards the 10 Years
of Freedom Celebrations. South Africa also urged the
EU to maintain its support to South Africa and Africa
in the fight against poverty and all its associated
ills. The EU welcomed the South African celebration
of 10 years of Freedom and congratulated the South African
side on a successful consolidation of democracy, recognised
as a remarkable achievement in the wake of the post-Apartheid
challenges.
The EU welcomed South Africa's utilisation of this
Anniversary as not just one of celebration, but also
as a watershed to facilitate a period of national reflection.
The EU offered its assistance to the South African side
in this time of national review. South Africa reiterated
its confidence that the enlargement of the EU would
strengthen and deepen the already excellent relations
between South Africa and theEU. This view was reinforced
by the fact that both South Africa and the acceding
states would find immediate mutual benefits in terms
of increased trade, strengthened political dialogue
and increased scientific exchanges within the framework
of theTDCA.
2. Review of recent developments in Africa
The issue of Zimbabwe was discussed as one of mutual
concern. The EU side expressed its concern at the continuing
deterioration of human rights in Zimbabwe and reiterated
that restrictive measures against the Government of
Zimbabwe are targeted sanctions and not aimed at the
general population. The EU side restated its willingness
to engage with the Government of Zimbabwe on the basis
of progress in EU benchmarks laid down and communicated
to Zimbabwe. The EU side acknowledged South Africa's
commitment to work towards a solution to the Zimbabwe
crisis.
South Africa noted the EU's efforts in relation to
Zimbabwe and urged the EU to continue its programme
of humanitarian assistance to the people of that country.
South Africa underscored the importance of the resolution
of the land issue in Zimbabwe in addressing the historic
injustice that resulted in skewed land ownership. Ministers
acknowledged the need to encourage meaningful internal
dialogue in Zimbabwe as the way forward. Ministers exchanged
information on the zones of conflict on the African
continent. The EU congratulated South Africa on its
efforts as a mediator in particular conflicts in Africa,
notably the Great Lakes region. Ministers agreed that
NEPAD's African Peer Review Mechanism can contribute
greatly to improved governance and greater accountability
throughout Africa.
3. Peace and Security
The EU welcomed the significant progress made by the
AU in establishing a peace and security architecture
on the continent. The ratification of the Protocol on
the establishment of the African Peace and Security
Council (PSC) was also welcomed and the EU stated that
it looks forward to working closely with the Council.
Ministers stated their determination to implement the
Peace Facility in the spirit of the Maputo Declaration,
which emphasised the pivotal role of the African Union.
Both sides stressed that conflict areas in Africa should
be looked upon as areas of mutual concern and that ongoing
dialogue between the EU and South Africa would be used
as a forum in which these concerns could be aired.
4. Multilateralism
Ministers agreed that effective multilateralism was
a common foreign policy goal for the EU and South Africa.
Ministers underlined their strong commitment to the
enhancement of EU-South Africa relations, which would
aid in the augmentation of a functioning and consistent
multilateralism. Ministers warmly welcomed the EU/Africa
Joint Declaration on Effective Multilateralism agreed
on 1 April 2004. Ministers agreed that effective multilateralism
is essential in addressing the problems of conflict,
poverty and underdevelopment. The EU took note of the
position of Africa on the reform of the UN Security
Council, including permanent representation of Africa
in the Council. Effective multilateralism is particularly
pertinent in areas of global concern such as Iraq, Middle
East Peace Process and tackling international terrorism,
which were discussed during the meeting. Ministers agreed
that this could only be achieved with substantial co-operation
between the EU and South Africa in international fora,
including UN bodies, such as the UN Commission on Human
Rights, and the International Criminal Court.
5. Way forward
Ministers welcomed this opportunity to work towards
enhanced co-operation of the EU and South African. They
emphasised the necessity for continued and effective
political dialogue. To this end, Ministers agreed that
EU-South Africa Ministerial troika meetings will be
held at least once a year.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
2 April 2004
|
