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President Thabo Mbeki arrives in Congo-Brazzaville ahead of
State Visit Brazzaville - South African President Thabo Mbeki has today,
Wednesday 30 November 2005 arrived in the Republic of Congo ahead of two day State
Visit scheduled from Wednesday, 30 November - Thursday, 1 December 2005. President
Mbeki's delegation includes Ministers Mandisi Mphalwa, Jeff Radebe and Pallo Jordan
and Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe. President Thabo Mbeki's visit to
Congo-Brazzaville comes within the context of South Africa's objective to consolidate
relations with all countries of the Continent. Within this objective is South
Africa's commitment to establish a South African Mission in each of Africa's 53
countries. President Thabo Mbeki is expected to hold bilateral political
and economic discussions with his counterpart, President Denis Sassou Nguesso
on Wednesday, 30 November 2005. Issues on the agenda of discussions are expected
to include, among others: - The status of bilateral political and economic
relations between both countries;
- Possible areas of future co-operation
including: agriculture, minerals and energy, tourism, transport, health, safety
and security and arts and culture;
- A briefing by President Mbeki on the
recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of State and Government meeting in Malta;
- Regional developments including the situation in Côte d'Ivoire
and recently concluded elections in Gabon; and
- Other issues of multilateral
interest including the comprehensive reform of the United Nations.
Pursuant
to the strengthening of relations between both countries, the following agreements
are expected to be signed on conclusion of discussions between Presidents Mbeki
and Nguesso: - Trade Agreement;
- Agreement on the Protection
and Reciprocal Promotion of Investments;
- Agreement on Merchant Shipping
and Other Maritime Transport Related Matters;
- Agreement on Health Matters;
- Protocol to the General Cooperation Agreement on Regular Diplomatic Consultation;
and
- · A Letter of Intent on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and
Culture.
While in Congo-Brazzaville, President Mbeki will address
a joint sitting of Parliament participate in a business forum and receive the
Order of the Grand Croix. President Thabo Mbeki will include his visit to
Congo-Brazzaville on Thursday, 1 December 2005 whereupon he will travel to Bamako,
Mali ahead of the Franco-Africa Summit scheduled for Friday - Saturday, 2-3 December
2005. Economic relations A steady increase in trade between
South Africa and the Republic of Congo, was realised between 2000 and 2003. SA
exports to Republic of Congo | Year | SA
exports to Republic of Congo | | 2000 | R178
172 000 | | 2001 | R256
300 000 | | 2002 |
R346 727 000 | | 2003 |
R281 139 000 | | 2004 |
R262 220 000 |
Imports from Republic of Congo | Year | Imports
from Republic of Congo | | 2000 | R
4 765 000 | | 2001 | R
13 470 000 | | 2002 |
R 31 250 000 | | 2003 | R140
461 000 | | 2004 | R
86 386 000 |
(Source: DTI: 2004) South African companies
currently involved in the Republic of Congo include Spoornet, Protea Hotels, Vodacom
and Executive Aerospace. The South African Ambassador in Brazzaville was
recently requested by a South African aviation company, Sub-Sahara (Pty) Ltd,
to assist them to obtain a license to operate a regional airline on routes between
Johannesburg and Central and West Africa. Engagement with Congolese authorities
have culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Congolese
partners in terms of which a feasibility study will be carried out by both would-be
partners to determine the viability of a chartered and scheduled flight covering
Johannesburg-Brazzaville-Libreville-West Africa and other internal routes in Central
Africa. A delegation of Mvelaphanda Holdings and allied groupings visited
Brazzaville from 25 to 27 October 2005. The purpose of the visit was to explore
investment possibilities in mining and infrastructure development. During a meeting
with President Sassou-Nguesso, the latter made firm offers to the group to drill
for oil in two offshore blocks in the Congo Basin. The group is also expected
to engage in infrastructure development such as road and housing construction
and hotels to promote tourism. The group made a firm commitment to open operational
headquarters in Brazzaville soon. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 Department
of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001 30 November
2005
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