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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 | 
