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Minister Dlamini Zuma to Lead Delegation to South Africa-European
Union Joint Co-operation Council Meeting Tshwane: South African Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will tomorrow, Saturday 5 November
depart South Africa for Brussels, Belgium to lead the South Africa's delegation
to the 6th South Africa -European Union Joint Co-operation Council (JCC) meeting
scheduled for Monday 7 November 2005. Accompanying Minister Dlamini Zuma
will be Minister Thoko Didiza, Deputy Minister Dr Rob Davies, Director-General
of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, the acting Director-General of Trade and
Industry, Tshidiso Matona, and other senior officials. The visit takes place
within the context of strengthening the growing strategic partnership between
South Africa and Europe. This partnership was cemented by President Thabo Mbeki's
visit to the European Union in November 2004 and complemented by the first JCC
held at Ministerial level in the same month. European Commission President Jose
Manuel. Barroso's visit to South Africa in June 2005 also further consolidated
these ties. Underpinning this partnership is the Trade, Development and Co-operation
Agreement (TDCA), which is currently under review by both parties, as well as
agreements on Wine and Spirits and Science and Technology co-operation. Discussions
on the agenda are expected amongst others to focus on: - the progress
made regarding the full implementation and review of the TDCA, including the shift
from development co-operation to economic co-operation,
- The development
of South Africa's Second Economy, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, land
reform and restitution, regional integration and the deepening of relations with
the European Union.
- EU's procurement policies and the possible negative
impact of the envisaged REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals)
legislation on the developing world in general, and South African industry in
particular.
- Follow-up to the United Nations Millennium Review Summit,
the new long-term EU Strategy for Africa, the role of SADC as an important regional
organisation in Africa and the AU/NEPAD Peer Review Mechanism.
- Discussions
on peace and security in Africa will centre on the Great Lakes Region, Sudan and
Côte d'Ivoire.
The JCC will also discuss joint reports on progress
in trade, development and research and technological co-operation between South
Africa and the European Union. Economic relations between the European Union
and South Africa The European Union remains South Africa's most important strategic
partner. Almost 40% of South African exports are destined for European markets,
with 12 billion Euro's worth of goods being exported in 2004. 44% of total foreign
direct investment flows into South Africa are sourced from the EU. The
European Union has also dedicated grants of 125 million Euro per annum through
the European Programme for Reconstruction and Development. The European Parliament
has mandated the European Investment Bank with an 825 million Euro facility for
investment in South Africa from 2000 to 2006. Issued by: Ronnie Mamoepa
at 082 990 4853 Department of Foreign Affairs,
Private Bag X 152,
Tshwane
0001 5 November 2005
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