Minister Dlamini Zuma to host Zambian Foreign Minister Lt Gen Shikapwasha for Bilateral Political and Economic Discussions, Tshwane, South Africa, Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Tshwane - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will host her Zambian counterpart Foreign Minister Lt Gen Shikapwasha for bilateral political and economic discussions at the Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane on Tuesday, 18 October 2005.

Discussions between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Lt Gen Shikapwasha 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.

This meeting follows that between Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad and his counterpart, Davison Mulela in Tshwane on Monday, 3 October 2005.

Discussions on the agenda of ministerial discussions are expected to include, among others:

• The status of bilateral political and economic relations between both countries;
• Political and economic developments in the SADC region;
• Developments in Africa including conflict areas and post-conflict reconstruction and development initiatives viz. Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.

Minister Dlamini Zuma and Minister Shikapwasha are expected to sign an Agreement on cooperation in the Economic, Social, Scientific, technical and cultural fields.

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.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001

17 October 2005