Joint Communiqué of the Sixth Meeting of the South Africa-United Kingdom Bilateral Forum, Cape Town, South Africa 25-26 August 2004

The 6th meeting of the South Africa-United Kingdom Bilateral Forum was held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town from 25-26 August 2004. Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw headed the delegations and co-chaired the opening and closing plenary meetings. Thirteen Ministers participated in total, and held six separate meetings on the enhancement of co-operation in their respective areas. The British Ministers included Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, Minister for Health, John Hutton, and Minister for the Armed Forces, Adam Ingram.

The South African Ministers included the Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel, the Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan, the Minister of Sport, Makhenkhesi Stofile, the Deputy Minister of Health, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mluleki George, and the Deputy Minister of Sport, Gert Oosthuizen. In addition, three Working Groups composed of senior officials - on Africa, Development Cooperation and Trade/Economics - were convened during the Forum. During the visit, Foreign Secretary Straw delivered a keynote speech at the Nelson Mandela Gateway Centre. The British delegation also visited Langa township, Khayelitsha and Robben Island.

The British Ministers congratulated South Africa on celebrating ten years of democracy. They looked back on the remarkable achievements of the country in those ten years, in particular in systematically addressing the legacy of poverty and inequality, and in guiding the South African economy. The Ministers expressed strong support for South Africa's efforts to effectively address the challenges posed by the problem of two economies, the rich, technologically driven first economy and the poor, underdeveloped second economy, and agreed that the Forum and future UK-SA co-operation should give further impetus to the programme of action outlined by President Mbeki in the State of the Nation Address on 21 May 2004. They expressed their admiration for the smooth running of the April election, and for the high degree of voter turnout. The UK side also congratulated South Africa on its success in winning the right to host the World Cup in 2010.

British and South African Ministers noted the extraordinary warmth and depth of relations between South Africa and the UK over those years, based on shared language and history but also on a commitment to common values. Ministers expressed their determination to ensure that the relationship continued to strengthen. Both countries welcomed the continuing increase in bilateral trade, which reached £6.28bn in 2003, as well as the healthy flows of investment in both directions. The United Kingdom remains the largest foreign investor in South Africa and over 200 South African companies have established a presence in the UK. The Ministers agreed to do everything possible to encourage and facilitate the promotion of trade, investment and technological co-operation.

The British Ministers commended the South African Government for its work in creating business opportunities for previously disadvantaged communities, and stated that the UK would continue to assist British investors to better understand and seize the opportunities offered by Black Economic Empowerment. They noted that nine United Kingdom companies have so far endorsed the principles behind the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). They agreed that the UK would continue exploring ways to support the involvement of and investment by its private sector in Africa.

Ministers' and officials' discussions at the forum reflected the challenges facing the modern world: the challenges of poverty, disease and development and the challenges of conflict and of terrorism. South Africa and the United Kingdom share a commitment to a multilateral approach to meeting these challenges. Ministers agreed on the need for continued reform and revitalisation of the UN system, including the reform and expansion of the UN Security Council. The UK and South Africa will continue to co-operate in the United Nations and elsewhere on international security issues, including in the context of combating terrorism, the peaceful resolution of international and regional conflicts, as well as the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.

Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Straw had in-depth discussions on the challenges facing Africa. Minister Dlamini Zuma expressed appreciation for the leading role that the UK is playing in supporting African development, including the establishment of the Commission for Africa, support for peace and development activities across the continent, work on debt relief and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and consistent support for Africa and NEPAD at the UN, G8, EU and elsewhere. Foreign Secretary Straw congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the chair of the SADC Organ for Defence, Politics and Security.

The Forum noted the importance of the UK's Presidencies of the G8 and the EU in 2005 in helping to take forward partnership with Africa and help build a strong and prosperous continent, and warmly welcomed Prime Minister Blair's commitment to place Africa at the top of the agenda of these groupings. The Ministers looked forward to further tangible commitment from the G8 to Africa and NEPAD following the second review of the implementation of the G8 Africa Action Plan at the 2005 Gleneagles Summit. The Foreign Secretary explained that the UK would strive during its EU Presidency to increase EU assistance for strengthening African institutions like the African Union and Pan African Parliament.

Both sides renewed their commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and noted that the 2005 UN General Assembly would be an important opportunity for reviewing progress and obtaining fresh commitments from UN members.

The Forum discussed the work of the Commission for Africa, of which Minister Manuel is a member. Ministers welcomed the work of the Commission and its commitment to support NEPAD and the African Union. The Ministers discussed issues relating to regional co-operation and took note of the steps taken by SADC as a Regional Economic Community of the African Union to implement the Regional Strategic Development Plan as formulated within the framework of NEPAD. They noted that the UK is supporting SADC in the areas of HIV/AIDS and the implementation of the strategic indicative plan for the Organ. Possible further areas of co-operation between the UK and SADC and other regional areas were also explored.

Foreign Secretary Straw briefed Minister Dlamini Zuma on his recent visit to Sudan. Both Ministers welcomed the initiatives taken by the AU and other parties to resolve the conflict between rebels and militia in the Darfur region of Sudan, as well as efforts to improve the humanitarian conditions of the refugees and internally displaced persons. The Ministers highlighted the need for providing the necessary support to the peace process in Darfur to enable the Sudanese people themselves to resolve the conflict. They also stressed the importance for all parties involved in the conflict to observe the cease-fire agreements and honour the commitments made to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Ministers welcomed the progress made in the peace negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM, including the three protocols signed on 26 May 2004, and expressed the hope that this had paved the way for a comprehensive peace agreement to be finalised soon. The Ministers agreed to also support the efforts of the United Nations in resolving the crisis in Darfur, and welcomed the current efforts by the UK in the Security Council in this regard. They encouraged the Government of Sudan to meet its commitments to the international community as set out in UNSCR 1556.

Discussing the Great Lakes the Ministers agreed that a peaceful and stable Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is critical for sustainable and durable peace and prosperity in the region and the African continent as a whole. The Ministers urged all Congolese parties to remain fully committed to the peace process in accordance with the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the DRC and to respect the Transitional Government as the sole legitimate governing authority in the DRC. They called upon all parties to refrain from statements or actions that might influence the situation in a negative way, and to work towards democratic elections. The Ministers welcomed President Mbeki's forthcoming visit to the DRC to help sustain the peace process.

The Forum expressed appreciation to South Africa for its continuing efforts to resolve outstanding issues between the parties in Burundi. The Ministers agreed that significant international support is required on demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration, elections and security sector reform to create an environment for successful elections to take place, and noted with appreciation that Britain had recently increased its support significantly. The Ministers underlined the importance of keeping to the transition schedule set out in the Arusha Accords.

They strongly condemned the recent attack in the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi during which many innocent civilians were killed, and called upon all the parties to exercise the utmost restraint. The Ministers noted the decision taken by Heads of State at the 22nd Summit of the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative on Burundi to declare the Palipehutu-FNL Movement a terrorist organisation.

The Ministers discussed developments in Zimbabwe. They agreed on the need to encourage the parties to commit themselves to removing the obstacles to inter-party negotiations. They expressed regret at the continued slow progress. Minister Dlamini Zuma reported on South Africa's constant engagement with ZANU-PF and the MDC in order to find an acceptable and sustainable solution. South Africa continued to involve all stakeholders in efforts to achieve national reconciliation. The Ministers stressed the need for systems of governance in which people are able to determine their destiny. No lasting solution to the challenges that face Zimbabwe can be found, unless that solution comes from the people of Zimbabwe themselves.

The Ministers agreed on the importance of the forthcoming elections in Zimbabwe. They welcomed the recent electoral standards agreed by SADC and emphasised in particular the vital importance of establishing a conducive environment for free and fair elections in accordance with the SADC guidelines.
The Foreign Ministers expressed their concern over the ongoing situation in Israel and the Occupied Territories, including over the building of the separation barrier. They regretted that Israel had not taken sufficient action to re-route the separation barrier away from Palestinian land. The Foreign Ministers hoped that both sides would continue to resume efforts to work towards a negotiated settlement.

The Ministers discussed the situation in Iraq and agreed that the ongoing violence and instability in that country continues to be a matter of concern to the international community. They welcomed the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Security Council of resolution 1546 (2004) and expressed their support for the work of the United Nations in preparing Iraq for the holding of direct elections for a transitional assembly in January 2005.

The Ministers agreed that the way forward to sustainable peace in Iraq is for all concerned to renounce violence, respect the rule of law and commit themselves to an inclusive political process that would lead to elections and the early formation of a representative and democratic government in Iraq.

Minister Trevor Manuel and Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng discussed how to generate additional finance for development, including through the International Finance Facility, an initiative supported by the UK, South Africa and others to assist in meeting the MDGs and NEPAD objectives.

The Ministers welcomed the positive interaction between the UK and South African Treasuries over the past year, particularly on international economic issues but also, increasingly, on domestic policy issues. The UK and South Africa have made efforts in recent years to strengthen Public Financial Management and Accountability in support of service delivery and the Ministers agreed to work together to share lessons learned through appropriate international meetings and fora.

South Africa applauded the UK for its recent pledge to meet the UN's 0.7% target for development assistance by 2013, and particularly welcomed the announcement that spending on Africa would rise to £1.25bn within four years to fund health, education and anti-poverty programmes. The Forum noted the UK's decision to limit spending in middle-income countries to 10% of available bilateral resources, and the implications of that decision for DFID's programme in South Africa, including reducing the scope and commitment of four important programmes.

The UK and South Africa continue to enjoy a strong development partnership based around South Africa's commitment to reduce poverty within the country, and its increasing role within the region and on the international stage. They share a common goal of seeking to reform the international development system, seeking greater harmonisation and alignment of donor practices, and agreed to work together towards this. South Africa expressed its deep appreciation for DFID's support, and looked forward to a strong, committed and predictable future development relationship.

Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Minister for Health, John Hutton, discussed progress in implementing the SA-UK Memorandum of Understanding on the Reciprocal Educational Exchange of Healthcare Concepts and Personnel. Although this was only signed in October last year, agreed areas of co-operation had already borne fruit, especially in the area of enhanced department-to-department communication and in sharing skills and expertise. The MoU also provides a means for time-limited placements for British and South African health professionals in each other's countries. The Ministers agreed to look at strengthening the areas of collaboration and professional exchange within the MoU. In this context the two Ministers agreed to look at the options for assistance to the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town.

The Ministers agreed to strengthen strategies to address the impact of health care personnel migration. It was noted that the UK was the first country to produce guidelines on international recruitment, based on ethical principles, and to then develop a robust code of practice for employers and a published list of approved recruitment agencies. Following discussions, the UK Minister announced proposals to further strengthen the UK Code of Practice for NHS employers.

The Ministers renewed their commitment to build on existing areas of co-operation. They agreed to promote reproductive health and rights of women and girl children. The Forum agreed to discuss ways in which the South African Department of Health can collaborate with the Commission for Africa and agreed to work together in the region on health care and health service delivery.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, discussed the wide-ranging relationship between the UK and South Africa in the fields of culture and sport with Arts and Culture Minister Jordan and Sports Minister Stofile.
The Ministers undertook to continue their joint work on Sport in Schools, and in using sport as a way to build community development. Ministers Stofile and Jowell signed a letter of intent which provided scope for a range of co-operative activities including by the private sectors in the build-up to the World Cup 2010.

The South African side welcomed the UK's 'D + 10' programme of cultural events. This will present major South African artists and performers alongside those from the UK to celebrate ten years of democracy in South Africa. The Forum noted the South African High Commission's series of celebratory events in the UK in 2004. The South African Ministers expressed their appreciation to the various friends of South Africa - both individuals and organisations - and the people and government of the UK, for their support in making the programme a success.

Ministers Jordan and Jowell agreed to share experience to train and mentor young curators in museums and galleries as part of South Africa's programme to transform the heritage sector, and to work together on a project to develop links between the creative industries in the UK and South Africa to look for complementary strengths and establish new industry partnerships. The UK will partner with South Africa on an audit of the cultural industries sector in South Africa as a flagship project in this area. The cultural collaboration will also include exchange of expertise regarding libraries, and models for financing culture.

The Ministers agreed to formalise the cultural partnership through an MoU and undertake technical visits to both countries to finalise the parameters of the new collaborative projects to be engaged.

In their discussions Ministers George and Ingram stressed the importance of the Defence relationship for the UK and South Africa's shared strategic interests. The recent signing of two new defence co-operation agreements, relating to provision of support during exercises, training and operations and the establishment a British Peace Support Team (BPST) to assist SANDF in building PSO capacity and capability, has further strengthened this relationship.

The UK welcomed the role that the South African Armed Forces are playing in the DRC, Burundi and other areas in Africa. Both Ministers expressed their commitment to continue the sharing of experience in peacekeeping operations and Deputy Minister George welcomed the continuing work of BPST in working with South African Forces. Minister Ingram welcomed the wider contribution South Africa intends to make to the African Standby Force. Ministers agreed that, in addition to its own contribution, the support South Africa provides to enable others to contribute to this initiative will be an important element in its success.

The Ministers noted that both the UK and South Africa aspire to develop and maintain effective and professional military forces optimised to deal with the security threats we face today and those we anticipate to face tomorrow. Both the UK and South Africa support the development of other similar capabilities and standards in our own armed forces and those of our partner nations.

At the forthcoming Defence Staff Talks both sides agreed to explore: national and regional opportunities for capacity building; how the UK and South Africa can work together building Peace Support Operation capacity; the evolving role of the British Peace Support Team beyond 2006; and the multi-dimensional approach to Peace Support Operation training and preparation.

The two sides had an extensive exchange of views on current multilateral trade issues. They committed themselves to maintaining regular contact in order to explore ways of actively driving forward the Doha Round of Negotiations. It was agreed that a successful WTO round was central to delivering economic development. South Africa and the UK expressed the hope that the WTO could now proceed with its important work and conclude the Doha Round. They noted that an agreement on agriculture, which provided much greater market access for developing countries and major reduction in trade distorting support in developed countries, was essential for the economic development of African countries as well as the future credibility of the WTO.

SA and the UK agreed that these negotiations were vital to the growth of the world economy, which is in the interest of all WTO members. They agreed to continue working together to deliver a successful outcome.

The two sides had an exchange of views on the implementation of the SA-EU Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement. Both sides agreed to work towards the effective and comprehensive implementation of the agreement and to use the forthcoming review to help achieve this. The two sides reviewed developments regarding regional integration and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and agreed to explore ways to coordinate efforts, including around technical co-operation, to achieve results which support development.
In conclusion, the two sides agreed that the next meeting would be held in the UK in 2005.