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Deputy Minister van der Merwe to hold Discussions with Lithuanian
Counterpart Pretoria - Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe will on
Friday 15 June 2007 hold bilateral political and economic discussions with her
Lithuanian counterpart Deputy Foreign Minister Oskaras Jusys in Cape Town. Deputy
Minister Jusys will visit South Africa from Wednesday - Wednesday 13-20 June 2007. Deputy
Minister van der Merwe will host her counterpart within the context of South Africa's
commitment to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with
European countries. Issues on the agenda of discussions between Deputy Ministers
van der Merwe and Jusys on Friday 15 June 2007 are expected to include, among
others: - The status of bilateral political and economic relations between
both countries;
- A briefing on developments in Lithuania including its
membership of the European Union;
- A briefing on developments in Africa
and SADC; and
- Other issues of mutual global interest including the comprehensive
reform of the United Nations and the Middle East Peace Process.
Lithuania
has a historical link with South Africa through the Jewish community. It is estimated
that 80% of South African Jewry is of Litvak extraction. Many prominent South
Africans such as the late Sammy Marks, the late Joe Slovo and Helen Suzman were
born in Lithuania. In September 2005 President Mbeki bestowed a prestigious national
award on Lithanian-born South African scientist, Aron Klug, for his exceptional
contribution in the field of medicine. The success of the Lithuanian economy
maintaining a stable average GDP growth rate of 7.8% during 2000 - 2006 is commendable.
It is one of the highest growth rates in the EU. Economic forecasts have been
that Lithuania's GDP will continue to grow by 7.4% in 2007. The unemployment rate
in Lithuania fell to 5.6% in 2006. The inflation rate was 3.8% in 2006. While
in South Africa, Deputy Minister Jusys is expected to hold discussions with the
Department of Trade and Industry, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of
Foreign Affairs, Mr Sithole, Mr J de Bruyn of the South African Chamber of Commerce
and prominent businessmen from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria. Deputy
Minister Jusys will also visit Robben Island, the Holocaust Museum, the Jewish
Museum, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082
990 4853 Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 13
June 2007
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