Statement on Agreements signed during Visit by Angolan Prime Minister Fernando De Piedade Dias Dos Santos

Four agreements to strengthen economic and bilateral relations were signed today at Tuynhuys in Cape Town between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Angola.

The following agreements were signed:

1. Agreement of co-operation in the field of social protection and re-integration between the Government of the Republic South Africa and the Government of Republic of Angola - signed by Minister Zola Skweyiya (RSA) of Social Development and Minister Joao Baptista Kussuma (Angola) of Social Assistance and Reintegration.

• Parties agreed to cooperate in the social advancement and development of both countries by engaging in professional and technical training programmes of the officials involved in this area.
• The agreement also highlights the need for child and adolescent protection as well as the integration of persons with disabilities. In this regard, both parties undertook to share experiences, policies and projects that address the plight of these vulnerable groups in the respective countries.
• In relation to children and adolescents, they further undertook to establish a mechanism that will ensure the provision of professional social services on inter country cases.
• They also agreed to engage in joint activities to implement the plan of action for The African Decade of Persons with Disabilities.

2. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Angola for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments - signed by Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa (RSA) of Trade and Industry and Minister Andre Luis Brandao (Angola) of Transport.

• The agreement is aimed at establishing the necessary legal framework and environment to stimulate investment by businesses from both countries and thereby increasing opportunities for prosperity for the respective countries.
• Parties undertake to promote investment by the other party in their country by facilitating the granting of permits / licensing agreements necessary for such investment to take place and to afford the other party's investor treatment not less favourable than that of its own investors.

3. Protocol between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Angola on Defence Cooperation - signed by Minister Mosioua Lekota (RSA) of Defence and Minister Kundy Pahyama (Angola) of Defence.

The purpose is to strengthen South Africa's existing agreements with Angola and to extend this co-operation in the field of defence. Parties agreed to establish a South Africa-Angola Bilateral Defence committee, consisting of representatives of the department of Defence of the Republic of South Africa and the representatives of the Central Organs of the Ministry of Defence, the general staff and Arms of Service of the Republic of Angola. Various fields of co-operation have been identified, including

• Peace support missions
• Mutual assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian crises
• De-mining
• Education and training
• Defence related industry and technology

The committee will meet once a year.

4. Agreement between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Angola on Defence Cooperation concerning cooperation in the field of electricity - signed by Minister Phumzile Mlambo - Ngcuka (RSA) of Minerals and Energy and Minister Jose M Botelho de Vasconcelos (Angola) of Energy and Water.

Parties committed to cooperate with each other through the exchange of information and engaging in joint projects in various fields including:

• Human resource development and training in the electricity sector
• Urban and rural electrification, research and development;
• poverty alleviation and sustainable development in the electricity and renewable sectors;
• Exchange visits by technical experts.

The agreements were signed during the official visit of Angolan Prime Minister Fernando da Piedade Dias Dos Santos and his delegation to South Africa.

The Prime Minister and delegation arrived in South Africa on Tuesday, 15 February 2005 and are scheduled to depart on Friday, 18 February 2005. The visit reciprocates that of Deputy President Jacob Zuma to Angola in August 2004.

Before the signing of agreement the Deputy President and the Prime Minister had bilateral discussions and discussed a wide range of issues, including the following:

• The expansion and consolidation of strategic bilateral political and economic relations between both countries;
• Reconstruction programmes in Angola;
• Trade and Investment issues;
• Regional and continental peacekeeping efforts;
• Regional elections; and
• Conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa.
  

Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda at 082 7822575.

Issued by the Presidency
Cape Town, 17 February 2005

Bilateral Economic Relations between Angola and South Africa

Angola has a considerable natural resource base in the form extensive reserves of oil, gas, diamonds and other minerals. It has the potential for significant exports of coffee and other agricultural products. It also possesses fertile highlands with a favourable climate and plenty of water.

Various companies in South Africa, including Eskom, Gauteng Economic Development Agency, Protea Hotels, and ABSA have visited Angola recently to explore the possibilities of investing in Angola.

In addition, non-governmental organisations and churches are involved in Angola to contribute towards rebuilding Angola after decades of protracted civil war. These organisations as well as the government are providing humanitarian assistance.

Trade Statistics between South Africa and Angola

Exports (Rand'000)

Imports (Rand'000)