Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has arrived in Mali ahead of the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Human Security Network

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has arrived in Bamako, Mali ahead of the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Human Security Network (HSN) to be held from Thursday, 27 - Saturday, 29 May 2004.

The HSN concentrates on the needs of the individual in conflict situations and in the situation of extreme poverty or violation of human rights. The HSN currently has eleven members. South Africa participates in this forum as an observer.

The meeting will discuss among others:

• The consolidation of the achievements of the HSN in human rights education
• The achievement of concrete actions in areas such as small arms, gender in peacekeeping operations and food security
• The promotion of human security in the African region with an equal emphasis on freedom from fear and freedom from want.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is also expected to officially inaugurate the new chancery of the South African Embassy in Bamako under the leadership of SA's Ambassador to Mali, Dr. Pandelani Mathoma.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Mali, one of the 15 members of the NEPAD Heads of State Implementation Committee, remain excellent. The two countries' share a commitment to the promotion of democracy and good governance and on the substantial South African involvement in the Malian gold mining sector.

Mali is South Africa's 25th largest trading partner in Africa and total trade represents about R200 million per annum. While the trade figures between South Africa and Mali to a large extent reflect the activities of two South African gold mining companies in Mali, ie Anglogold and Randgold, South Africa's main import products from Mali are textiles and textile articles.

South African exports to Mali

• Export values:
  
  R 245,2 million (2000)
  R 164,8 million (2001)
  R 199,3 million (2002)
  R 177,6 million (2003)
  
  
• Main export products : Base metals, machinery, electrical equipment & mineral products.

South African imports from Mali

• Import values:
  
  R 6,6 million (2000)
  R 13,3 million (2001)
  R 9,0 million (2002)
  R 6,8 million (2003)
  
  
• Main import products : Textiles.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x152
Pretoria
0001

26 May 2004