Minister Dlamini Zuma to host Belarussian Counterpart Foreign Minister Sergey Martynov

Pretoria - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will tomorrow Monday 28 August 2006, host her Belarussian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergey Martynov for bilateral political and economic discussions at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. Minister Dlamini Zuma will host Minister Martynov within the context of South Africa's priority to promote bilateral political, economic and trade relations with countries of the world with a view to ensuring a faster and shared economic growth in South Africa.

Issues of the agenda of discussions between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Martynov on Monday 28 August 2006 are expected to include, among others:

  • The status of bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries;
  • A brief by Minister Dlamini Zuma regarding developments in the region, including the outcomes of the SADC Summit;
  • Democracy building, good governance, peacekeeping and conflict resolution in Africa including post-election Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, and Burundi;
  • developments in eastern Europe;
  • The Middle East conflict; and
  • Other issues of global interest including United Nations Security Council reform.

While in South Africa Minister Martynov is also expected to hold discussions with Ministers Mandisi Mphalwa, Dr Pallo Jordan and Mosioua Lekota.

It is also expected that the following agreements will be signed during the visit to South Africa by Minister Martynov:

  • Establishment of a Committee on Trade and Economic Co-operation (Trade and Industry);
  • Waiver of Visa Requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports (Home Affairs);
  • Co-operation in the fields of Arts and Culture (Arts and Culture); and
  • Agreement on Military and Technical Co-operation (Defence).

Minister Martynov is expected to depart from South Africa on Wednesday 30 August 2006.

Economic Bilateral Relations

Trade between South Africa and Belarus (all figures in ZAR)

YearSouth African Exports South African Imports
2004R3 437 000 R20 251 000
2003R2 232 000R 2 681 000
2002 R1 398 000 R 6 035 000
2001R1 191 000 R 2 292 000
2000R 129 000 R 1 869 000
1999 R 96 000 R 12 000
1998R 256 000 R 2 600 000

Total Trade Turnover 2004 R- 23. 68 million
Total Trade Turnover 1st Quarter. 2005 R- 3.41 million

South Africa imports potassium fertilisers, refrigerators, flax fabrics, truck and tractor spare parts, while it exports diamonds, veneer sheets, organic chemicals, vehicle spare parts and capital goods.

Belarus is interested in investigating the opportunities for Joint Ventures, the exchange of technologies and the exploration of new competitive markets.


Media Programme for Official Visit to South Africa by Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergey Martynov

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

27 August 2006




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