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Remarks at Closing Plenary
of 4th Session of South Africa - Russia Inter Governmental Committee on Trade
and Ecoomic Co-operation (ITEC) Presidential Guesthouse Friday, 19 November 2004 Remarks
by Russian Minister of Natural Resources, Yuri Petrovich Trutnev
· First
of all, let me express my gratitude for the preparations for the 4th session of
the South Africa - Russia Inter Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Co-operation
(ITEC). Much work has been done ahead of the Ministerial meeting by officials
from South Africa and Russia.
· However, the great potential that exists
for economic co-operation between our two countries has not been exploited. In
this regard, all agreements must be signed earlier than planned.
·
Both economies require practical steps - delays result in losses, and we have
no right to lose as this impacts on our people.
· We hope work will
continue at a faster rate to impact on the people and governments of both Russia
and South Africa. Remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini Zuma
· Welcome to all colleagues who have availed themselves
for the 4th session of the South Africa - Russia Inter Governmental Committee
on Trade and Economic Co-operation (ITEC).
· Much work has been done
by colleagues in the last few days to devise a plan of action for implementation
in the next few months.
· I must reiterate what has been said by Minister
Trutnev - the economic potential that exists between both countries has not been
sufficiently exploited - these opportunities must be exploited with a sense of
haste and urgency.
· Practical steps are required for this to happen.
· signed agreements must be implemented; new ones will evolve to respond
to the current challenges that exist between both countries.
· The
main groups which have met are:
· Agriculture;
· Social
sector;
· Minerals and Energy;
· Science and Technology;
· Trade, investment and banking;
· Water Affairs and Forestry;
and
· Transport.
· Each of these groups will have to achieve
their objectives before the next session of ITEC.
· We are optimistic
that there will be movement with some degree of urgency. I am also very
pleased that the Russian delegation included business people - business is key
to the success of government to government co-operation - governments can only
do so much - what is required is for the private sector to consolidate the work
of governments. In this regard, the private sector must move with more speed.
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag
X152
Pretoria
0001
19 November 2004
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