Joint Communiqué issued at the Conclusion of the Visit of Minister Youssouf Ouêdraogo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation of Burkina Faso, to the Republic of South Africa, 2 April 2007

At the invitation of H.E Dr Nkosazana DLAMINI ZUMA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and within the framework of the strengthening of traditional, friendly and cooperation relations existing between the Republic of South Africa and Burkina Faso, H.E Mr Youssouf OUÊDRAOGO, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation of Burkina Faso, paid a working visit to South Africa on 2 April 2007.

During his visit Minister OUÊDRAOGO and his delegation were received in audience by H.E President Thabo MBEKI, President of the Republic of South Africa.

Minister DLAMINI ZUMA had bilateral political discussions with her counterpart, Minister OUÊDRAOGO, during which they reviewed the state of bilateral relations, regional, African and international issues. They reaffirmed their determination to work for a mutually rewarding relationship under the guidance of the two Heads of State, H.E President Blaise COMPAORÉ and H.E President Thabo MBEKI.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral political relations, and noted the wide scope of cooperation in various fields, namely, foreign affairs, trade, industry, mining and geology, agriculture, energy, health, tourism, and transport.

With a view to laying a legal framework for cooperation, they welcomed the steps undertaken to establish a South Africa-Burkina Faso Joint Commission of Cooperation. At the completion of their meeting, both Ministers signed the Agreement to establish the South Africa-Burkina Faso Joint Commission of Cooperation. The Joint Commission will hold its first session at a date which will be mutually agreed through the diplomatic channel.

Both Ministers welcomed the decision of both Governments to open Diplomatic Missions in their respective capitals and expressed the view that this will contribute towards the strengthening of bonds of friendship and cooperation between South Africa and Burkina Faso.

Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their willingness to utilise the mechanism of consultations between their respective Departments for the harmonization of their positions on major political issues related to the regional and international situation.

Minister DLAMINI ZUMA was briefed on recent developments in Côte d'Ivoire, and in particular the role played by President COMPAORÉ in facilitating the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement which holds the prospect of delivering a lasting political solution to the Ivorian crisis. Both Ministers urged all Ivorian parties to remain committed to the implementation of the Agreement. The Ministers further welcomed the appointment of Mr Guillaume Soro as the new Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, and wished him well in the execution of his duties.

Both parties agreed to work together for the restoration of a climate of sustainable peace and stability especially in the Mano River Basin. Both Ministers noted with satisfaction the appointment of a new consensus Prime Minister in Guinea and hoped
that this would contribute to stability in Guinea. They took note of the remarkable post-conflict reconstruction process currently underway in both Sierra Leone and

Liberia. They agreed that these positive developments augur well for stability and development in the region.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to work for the political unity and integration of the African continent within the framework of the African Union.

They underscored the centrality of NEPAD in the continent's efforts to deal with the twin challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. They pledged to work with other sister African countries for the realisation of the goals of NEPAD.

In reviewing the global political and economic situation, the two Ministers agreed that the reform of the UN is central to efforts aimed at finding sustainable solutions to international peace and security. In this regard, they reaffirmed their commitment to the continued reform of the global governance system.

The Ministers also emphasised the need to deal with both security and development issues and in this regard, they urged the IMF and the World Bank to place developmental issues at the centre of their agenda. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and expressed the hope that the process would be revived, in order to bring more equity into the global trading system.

At the end of his visit, Minister OUÊDRAOGO expressed his profound gratitude to the Minister DLAMINI ZUMA and to the Government and People of South Africa for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

Minister OUÊDRAOGO extended an invitation to his counterpart to pay a reciprocal working visit to Burkina Faso. The date of the visit will be determined through the Diplomatic Channel.

Done in Pretoria, on 2 April 2007.

For the Government of the Republic....................For the Government of Burkina Faso
of South Africa

H.E Dr Nkosazana DLAMINI ZUMA .......................H.E Mr Youssouf OUÊDRAOGO
Minister of Foreign Affairs ..................................Minister of Foreign Affairs and
..............................................................................Regional Co-operation