Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Concludes Visit to Swaziland, Monday, 20 December 2004

Mbabane - South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Monday - 20th December 2004 - together with her counterpart from Swaziland, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Senator Mabili Dlamini co-signed the Joint Bilateral Commission for Co-operation agreement between South Africa and Swaziland.

The Co-operation Agreement will regulate political, economic, social and cultural relations between both countries.

Minister Dlamini Zuma emphasised, "a framework of operation for the implementation of the Agreement will have to be agreed upon to ensure that both nations were able to speedily meet the challenges of dealing with poverty, unemployment and diseases such as HIV and AIDS."

In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma indicated that, "both governments had a responsibility to its people to ensure that this agreement was fully implemented."

In addition, Minister Dlamini Zuma paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Swaziland, Absalom Themba Dlamini during which, she delivered a message from President Thabo Mbeki.

Minister Dlamini Zuma returns to South Africa today, Monday - 20 December 2004 ahead of the SADC Troika Ministerial Meeting on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 where she will host and chair the meeting of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

The Foreign Ministers of Lesotho and Namibia, as members of the Troika, will also attend the Ministerial Meeting.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota at 082 459 3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001
20 December 2004