Synopsis of Agreements to be signed

DECLARATION OF INTENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS ON A FRAMEWORK FOR CO-OPERATION AND A BILATERAL COMMISSION

The Declaration commits South Africa and the Netherlands to a new framework of partnership intended to broaden and intensify co-operation in the political, economic, cultural and social fields. The Netherlands agrees to align its co-operation activities with and support the South African government's priorities, policies and strategies. In Africa, the Netherlands undertakes to support South Africa to promote peace and accelerate economic development on the continent. One of the objectives of the agreement is to expand commercial ties, with a special focus on the second economy and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment. Long term cultural partnerships will also be prioritised.

The Declaration will have the effect of simplifying the administration of future development co-operation projects. The Agreement envisages consultation meetings once every two years to review progress and identify possible new areas of co-operation.

CONVENTION FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

The purpose of the Convention is to limit the taxing jurisdiction of both States with regard to the flow of, and return on, investments between them and, by exchange of information, to combat fiscal evasion. Trade links between the two countries will also be facilitated by the Convention.

The Convention with the Netherlands is similar to other treaties which have been concluded in the past with other countries and is based to a large extent on the Model Convention drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

This Convention will terminate the Convention between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands which entered into force on 20 January 1972.

ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE RSA MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND THE NETHERLANDS' MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATION ON A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR SECURITY SECTOR REFORM IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.

The Governments of the RSA, the DRC and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent on 01 June 2005 in the DRC relating to a joint project to support the military integration process of the Congolese Armed Forces.

The Government of the Netherlands, through its Ministry of Development Co-operation, will contribute an amount of EUR 5 million to support this trilateral project. The funds will be utilised to improve the living conditions (medical facilities, sanitation, housing and drinking water) in the military integration centres in the North Kivu province in the DRC.

Pursuant to and in accordance with this Letter of Intent, the South African DoD will implement the project in close consultation with the donor and the Armed Forces of the DRC from 01 September 2005 to 31 March 2006.

The arrangement will facilitate and regulate the practical modalities of this trilateral project.

ARRANGEMENT ON BILATERAL MILITARY CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE RSA DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE AND THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

In order to formalise the rapidly developing bilateral military co-operation between the RSA and the Netherlands, an Arrangement was developed between the two Armed Forces. This Arrangement will establish a framework for bilateral military co-operation and will include, amongst other things, capacity building for peacekeeping, peace-enforcing and humanitarian missions; bilateral support; reciprocal training activities; exchanges of information; the selection of fighter-pilots and simulated fighter aircraft training.