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Deputy Ministers Aziz Pahad and Davison Mulela Conclude Bilateral
Discussions in Tshwane Tshwane - South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad today, Monday 3 October 2005, concluded political and economic discussions
with his Zambian counterpart Davison Mulela at the Diplomatic Guesthouse in Tshwane. Deputy
Ministers Pahad and Mulela discussed the Agreement on the Establishment of a Commission
for the Operationalisation of the 1996 General Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Zambia on
Co-operation in the Economic, Social, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Fields. Both
Deputy Ministers highlighted the need to increase trade and investment co-operation
between the two countries. In this regard, the Deputy Ministers called on the
South African private sector to embark on joint venture partnerships with their
Zambian counterparts. In this context the two parties undertook to, amongst
other things, finalise the conclusion of the agreement on the Reciprocal Protection
and Promotion of Investments. Deputy Ministers Pahad and Mulela expressed
satisfaction with the status of bilateral political relations between both countries,
evidenced by President Thabo Mbeki's participation in Zambia's 40th Anniversary
of Independence celebrations in Lusaka in October last year and Zambian President
Levy Manawasa's participation in South Africa's 10th Anniversary of Democracy
celebrations in April 2004. With Zambia scheduled to hold elections in 2006
and South African local elections to be held early next year, both sides also
expressed common positions on the advancement of democracy, protection of human
rights and the fight against corruption in their respective countries. Deputy
Ministers Pahad and Mulela also agreed to strengthen inter-party relations between
both countries. In terms of bilateral economic relations, South Africa is
Zambia's main export destination and is the largest investor in Zambia (after
the United Kingdom.)
In addition, South African Tourism (SATOUR) is encouraging
tour operators to market a "Visit Zambia Campaign," while South African
Airways has implemented new flights between both countries. Both Deputy
Ministers Pahad and Mulela agreed to encourage increased private sector involvement
in their respective countries in order to strengthen economic relations. In this
regard, many areas including tourism and the development of the fishing industry
especially fish farming remain open to investigation. Both parties further
discussed their co-operation in: - SADC;
- NEPAD; and
- The
reform of the United Nations. In this regard Deputy Ministers Pahad and Mulela
reiterated their support for the Ezulweni Consensus.
Discussions
also looked at the visit by Zambian Foreign Minister Lt Gen Shikapwasha to South
Africa scheduled for 18-19 October 2005. Finally, 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. In order to honour the fallen South African heroes of the liberation in
Zambia, a cleansing and healing ceremony will be held in Lusaka in November 2005
in co-operation with the Freedom Park Trust. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa
on 082 990 4853 Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 3
October 2005 | 
