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South African Government Welcomes Enlaragement
of the European Union
The South African government today, Saturday, 1 May
2004 congratulated the European Union (EU) on its enlargement
from fifteen to twenty-five members.
The Government of South Africa welcomes the enlargement
of the EU since it has the unique, historic task to
further integrate the European continent by peaceful
means, extending a zone of stability and prosperity
to the ten new Member States after generations of divisions
and conflict.
We look forward to working with the enlarged EU for
the mutual benefit of the peoples of both Europe and
Africa. The further support of the EU for the implementation
of NEPAD as Africa’s socio-economic revival programme
is eagerly anticipated. The Peace Facility established
by the EU that will be operational by mid 2004 is one
such example of co-operation for mutual benefit.
The finalisation of the South African – European
Union Trade, Development Co-operation Agreement (TDCA)
bodes well for the expansion and consolidation of socio-economic
relations between South Africa and all countries within
the EU. The SA-EU TDCA will promote an open, equitable,
rule-based and non-discriminatory multilateral trading
system that will benefit all countries in the pursuit
of sustainable development, co-ordination and co-operation
towards the successful completion of the Doha Development
Agenda negotiations.
We also eagerly anticipate co-operation between Africa
and the European Union in dealing with global challenges
confronting us all – the Middle East crisis and
bringing a comprehensive solution to the people of Israel
and Palestine, the restoration of democracy and autonomy
to the people of Iraq and the assertion of multilateralism
as the key in dealing with all such challenges.
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
1 May 2004
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