Minister Dlamini Zuma concludes Visit to Rwanda

The South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has today, 30 August 2006, concluded her visit to Kigali Rwanda where she led a South African delegation to the fourth session of the South Africa /Rwanda Joint Commission for Co-operation (JCC).

Minister Dlamini Zuma's delegation included the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mandisi Mpahlwa, the Minister of Home Affairs, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba and senior government officials.

South Africa's participation at the JCC comes within the context of its stated commitment to consolidate the African agenda through strengthening relations with other African countries and as part of South - South co-operation.

The South African delegation of Ministers also paid a courtesy call to President Paul Kagame and exchanged views on strengthening co-operation between the two countries.

The JCC which serves as a framework for strategic partnership between the two countries agreed to devise strategies to enhance the private sector's participation in this endeavour. The joint communiqué further recorded satisfaction with progress in the wide scope of areas covered under the JCC such as co-operation of the two foreign affairs working groups, home affairs, trade and industry, financial services and receiver of revenue, agriculture and land affairs, including infrastructure.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Co-operation aimed at strengthening economic cooperation was also signed by the respective Ministers of Trade and Industry, M Mpahlwa, and his Rwanda counterpart, Minister Vincent Karega.

The fifth session of the Rwanda/South Africa JCC shall take place in South Africa in 2007.

Minister Dlamini Zuma and her delegation of Ministers are expected to return to South Africa today, Wednesday, 30 August 2006.

Enquires:

Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 August 2006