Deputy Minister Pahad to Host Zambian Counterpart Davison Mulela for Bilateral Discussions, Tshwane, South Africa, 3 October 2005

Tshwane - South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will host his Zambian counterpart Deputy Minister Davison Mulela for bilateral political and economic discussions at the Diplomatic Guesthouse in Tshwane today Monday, 3 October 2005.

The bilateral discussions between Deputy Ministers Pahad and Mulela comes in the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate bilateral political and economic relations with all African countries especially those within the SADC region.

In this regard, President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki attended Zambia's 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations in Lusaka in October last year and bilateral discussions between Foreign Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Lt Gen Shikapwasha are scheduled to be held in Tshwane later this month.

In addition, close relations were forged between both countries during the days of the struggle against apartheid. Zambia had since independence became a host to many Southern African liberation movements including South Africa's ruling party the ANC, whose headquarters were based in Lusaka.
The relations between the two peoples were transformed into state to state relations with SA's transition to democracy in 1994.

Issues on the agenda for discussions between Deputy Ministers Pahad and Mulela are likely to include areas of co-operation between both countries formalised through the Bilateral Agreement between both countries, agreements to be finalised, and progress made on signed agreements.

Discussions will also look at greater co-operation between Zambia and South Africa within SADC, the implementation of NEPAD and matters regarding peace, security and stability within the region and continent including the SADC organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation and the African Union's Peace and Security Council and preparations for general elections to be held in Zambia in 2006.
Deputy Minister Mulela is expected to depart from South Africa on Tuesday, 4 October 2005.

Economic Bilateral Relations

Zambia exports a wide range of products and the main, or traditional exports, are refined minerals Copper, lead, zinc and cobalt. Other exports, commonly referred to as Non Traditional copper semi manufactures, gemstones, fresh fruits and vegetables and timber and wood and wood products.

Trade relations between South Africa and Zambia

Trade between South Africa and Zambia has increased substantially since 1993. Both countries are taking advantage of existing bilateral agreements to foster relations - evident an annual increase of trade and investment flow between the two countries. Zambia is another substantial importer of South African goods, accounting for some R5.6-billion in 2003. Zambia imports into South Africa amounted to R3.4-billion in the same year.

South African investors, such as Anglo Vaal, Shoprite/Checkers, Truwool, Investec Bank and South African Breweries, have become major role-players in Zambia.

RSA Exports To Zambia

Annual Growth 2005-2004 -36.8%

RSA Imports From Zambia

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001

3 October 2005