Joint Communiqué on the occasion of the Working Visit to South Africa by His Excellency Francois Bozizi, President of the Central African Republic

At the invitation of His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Francois Bozize, President of the Central African Republic (CAR), paid a working visit to the Republic of South Africa from 27 to 29 April 2006.

President Bozize was accompanied by Minister Sylvain Ndoutingai, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Hydrography and Minister Sylvain Maliko, Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Co-operation of the Central African Republic.

President Bozize's visit is the first by a President of the Central African Republic to South Africa and takes place within the context of the two countries' commitment to consolidate political and economic relations. In this regard a Co-operation Agreement was signed setting the framework for future co-operation in the following areas: defence and security, transport, energy, mines, capacity building in the public service, urban and rural development, health, education, housing, trade and the environment.

The two Presidents utilized the occasion to also exchange views on a broad range of regional and security issues concerning the African Continent, as well as international issues of common interest.

During his visit, President Bozize held meetings with a wide spectrum of South African businesspeople and organizations that have interests in the Central African Republic.

President Bozize, who is also the Minister of Defence of the CAR, received in audience, Minister MGP Lekota. They discussed issues around defence co-operation between the two countries. In this regard, Minister Lekota will soon be undertaking a working visit to the CAR.

Before his departure from South Africa, President Bozize paid a courtesy call on former President Nelson Mandela.

Minister Sylvain Ndoutingai, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Hydrography, met with a number of South African companies involved in the mining and exploration sector. Minister Sylvain Maliko, the Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Co-operation held separate bilateral discussions with the Minister of the Public Service and Administration, Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi that focused on issues relating to capacity building in the public service in the CAR.

On behalf of his delegation President Francois Bozize, thanked President Thabo Mbeki for the warm welcome reserved for them during their visit. He addressed an invitation to President Mbeki to pay a working visit to the Central African Republic. This invitation was accepted in principle and the date will be agreed upon via the Diplomatic Channel.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa- 082 990 4853 on 29 April, 2006

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