Minister Dlamini Zuma Signs a General Co-operation Agreement with Burundi at Franco-Africa Summit, 14 February 2007

Cannes (France) - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who is representing President Thabo Mbeki at the two-day Africa-France Heads of State and Government Summit in the French coastal city of Cannes, has on Wednesday, 14 February 2007 signed a General Co-operation Agreement with her Burundian counterpart, Ms Antoinette Batumubwira, Minister of External Co-operation and International Relations.

Addressing the media after the signing, Minister Dlamini Zuma said:" This important Agreement has the potential to unlock possibilities for both countries in the area of nation-building, economic development and in further strengthening our already good relations. A General Co-operation Agreement by its very nature paves the way for other sectors of both countries to work together."

The Burundian Minister Batumubwira in response expressed similar sentiments and said:" We count on South Africa as a dependable friend in helping us deal with challenges of development, following their immense contribution in resolving the conflict in our country."

Minister Dlamini Zuma is leading the South African delegation to this Summit within the context of South Africa's priority to promote the Consolidation of the African Agenda.

The Summit will be held under the banner, "Africa and Global Stability", and intends to highlight the need to include Africa in global issues as well as its current dynamism, its successes and its projects for the future.

The overall theme will be divided into three sub-themes, which will be the focus of discussions in three workshops, namely:

o Raw Materials in Africa;
o Africa's Position and Influence in the World; and
o Africa and the Information Society.

Discussions are expected to focus on:

o How Africa responds to the exploitation of its raw materials.
o The position of the continent in international organisations;
o The position in South -South Dialogue;
o How does the rest of the world perceive Africa;
o What image of themselves would Africans like to project; and
o How can we do away with the most common clichés?

Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Sunday 18 February 2007.

Contact Vincent Hlongwane +27 82385 1169 (Cannes)

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa-082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152 Pretoria
0001
14 February 2007

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