Joint Communique issued at the conclusion of the Inaugural session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation between South Africa and Ghana, 11 May 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 strengthening traditional, friendly relations and cooperation existing between the Republic of South Africa and Ghana, H.E. Nana AKUFO-ADDO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and NEPAD of the Republic of Ghana, paid an Official Visit to South Africa on 11 May 2007.

On the occasion of the Inaugural Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, Minister DLAMINI ZUMA had bilateral political discussions with her counterpart, Minister AKUFO-ADDO, 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 Thabo MBEKI and H.E President John Agyekum KUFUOR.

The two Ministers noted the significance of this inaugural session in that it takes place in the year during which Ghana is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of independence. Minister DLAMINI ZUMA also took the opportunity, on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, to congratulate the people of Ghana for achieving this milestone.

With respect to bilateral relations, the Ministers noted the wide scope of cooperation in various fields, namely, foreign affairs, immigration, trade and industry, mining and energy, agriculture, tourism, justice, defence, arts and culture, and other areas of mutual interest.

While the two Ministers noted the increased economic interaction between the private sectors of the two countries, they nonetheless expressed concern over the low volume of trade and the imbalance therein. In that regard, they agreed to take measures to increase two-way trade.

As part of the measures to increase interaction at governmental level, the two Ministers urged the officials to finalise negotiations on the waiver of visas for holders of official and diplomatic passports.

With a view to laying a framework for interaction in the field of arts and culture, an Arts and Culture Cooperation Agreement has been finalised and will be signed in the very near future.

In the field of defence, the Ministers expressed satisfaction at the degree of cooperation between the two countries as evidenced by the exchanges of technical visits and programmes.

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.

The Ministers discussed recent developments on the African continent. They agreed that both countries should work together for the peaceful resolution of conflicts on the continent, guided by decisions of the African Union and the United Nations.

Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work for the political unity and integration of the African continent within the framework of the African Union. They also pledged their countries' support for the institutions of the AU.

They underscored the centrality of NEPAD in the continent's efforts to deal with the twin challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. They also 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. They agreed that the two countries should work together in the United Nations Security Council.

The Ministers also emphasised the need to address both security and development issues and in this regard, they urged the international financial institutions 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 AKUFO-ADDO expressed his profound gratitude to 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 AKUFO-ADDO extended an invitation to his counterpart to pay a reciprocal working visit to Ghana. The date of the visit will be determined through the diplomatic channels.

Pretoria, 11 May 2007.