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Minister Dlamini Zuma concludes Visit to Saharawi Arab Democratic
Republic (SADR) ahead of Visit to Sao Tome Principe Foreign Minister Dr
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday 7 April 2005 concluded the first high-level
visit by a South African Minister to the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)
since official recognition by the South African government on 15 September 2004. During
the visit Minister Dlamini Zuma held political and economic bilateral discussions
with her counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Ould Salek,
Prime Minister Taleb Omar and other high-ranking officials of SADR. During
bilateral discussions both Ministers agreed to explore areas of co-operation with
a specific focus on the building of capacity of Saharawi refugees. Both Ministers
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the provision of humanitarian aid
to the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria. In this regard South African humanitarian
assistance to the Saharawi's will focus on basic nutrition, health and water,
and sanitation solutions. During discussions Minister Dlamini Zuma was briefed
by the SADR delegation of developments on the situation in the Western Sahara
following the adoption of Resolution 1495 by the United Nations Security Council
in July 2004. Minister Dlamini Zuma also reaffirmed South Africa's support
for the principle of self-determination as a cardinal and inviolable right and
principle enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Within this context she reiterated
South Africa's support for the right of the Saharawi's to determine their future
within the context of existing UN resolutions. In addition, Minister Dlamini
Zuma was provided with an opportunity to familiarize herself with the conditions
in the refugee camps. On conclusions of discussions with her counterpart
Minister Dlamini Zuma paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Abdelaziz during
which she conveyed the message of solidarity and support from President Thabo
Mbeki. In honour of her steadfast support for the values of justice, equality
and fairness, and her contribution to freedom and the realization of the right
to self-determination, President Abdelaziz presented Minister Dlamini Zuma with
the Medal of May 20. Minister Dlamini Zuma is the first recipient of this high
honour by the Polisario Front. VISIT TO SAO TOME & PRINCIPE Minister
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will today, Friday - 8 April 2005 proceed to Sao Tome
and Principe on the last leg of her three-nation West African visit. The
three-nation African visit comes in the context of South Africa's overall objective
of working for the renewal of Africa and the creation of a better world. During
the visit to Sao Tome Principe, Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to hold bilateral
political and economic discussions with her counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Co-operation and Communities, Dr Ovidio Manuel Barbosa Pequeno. Discussions are
aimed at building strong, vibrant and strategic bilateral relations with sister
African countries. Minister Dlamini Zuma is also expected to pay a courtesy
call on President Fradique de Menezes and Prime Minister Damiao Vaz d'Almeida. Issued
by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853. Department of Foreign Affairs
Private
Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 8 April 2005
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