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Communiqué on the Official Visit of the Prime Minister
of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of South Africa, 15 to 18 February 2005 1.
At the invitation of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His
Excellency Jacob Zuma, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Angola, His Excellency
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos paid an official visit to the Republic of
South Africa from 15 to 18 February 2005. The meeting focused on the strengthening
of bilateral co-operation and relations between the two countries. 2. The
Prime Minister of Angola was accompanied by the Ministers of Defence, Transport,
Energy and Water, Social Assistance and Reintegration, and the Deputy Ministers
of External Relations, Geology and Mines, Petroleum, and senior government officials. 3.
The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa was accompanied by the Ministers
of Transport, Defence, Minerals and Energy, Social Development, Trade and Industry,
as well as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior government officials. 4.
The Prime Minister paid courtesy calls to His Excellency the President of the
Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, the Speaker of the National Assembly,
Ms Baleka Mbete and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Mniwe
Johannes Mahlangu. 5. During their official discussions, which were held
in a friendly and constructive environment, the Heads of Delegations noted with
satisfaction the excellent relations between the two fraternal countries, and
the fact that they shared the same views on issues discussed. 6. The Heads
of Delegation reaffirmed their intention to work towards the strengthening of
bilateral relations, as well as to intensify the close co-operation between the
two countries for the future well-being of their peoples. 7. The Heads of
Delegation welcomed the signing of agreements during the visit, in the areas of
defence co-operation, the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments,
social integration and electricity. They further agreed to encourage the speedy
conclusion of remaining agreements in the areas of transport, petroleum, tourism,
geology and mines, maritime transport, civil aviation and sports and recreation,
and encouraged the establishment of mechanisms to enhance such co-operation 8.
The Heads of Delegation analysed the regional, continental and international situations,
and agreed on the need to work together, bilaterally and in SADC in an endeavour
to find solutions, particularly in areas affected by conflicts on the continent.
They identified particular areas as such as Cote d'Ivoire, the Darfur region in
the Sudan, the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. The heads of delegation
also expressed concern regarding recent events in Togo, and reiterated the AU
position rejecting all forms of unconstitutional changes in government. 9.
The Heads of Delegation renewed their commitment to actively participate in programmes
and mechanisms of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) as the
basis of development on the continent. 10. The Heads of Delegation agreed
to consult and endeavour to find common positions on matters related to global
trade, development and global governance. 11. During his visit, the Prime
Minister also addressed leading South African business people, and also visited
Robben Island and various industrial and agricultural projects around Cape Town.
12. His Excellency, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Prime Minister
of the Republic of Angola, thanked His Excellency Jacob Zuma, Deputy President,
the Government, and the people of South Africa for the warm welcome and hospitality
that were accorded to his delegation and himself. Department of Foreign
Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 18 February 2005
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