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Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold Discussions with Counterpart from
Niger Pretoria - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
will on Wednesday 18 April 2007 hold bilateral political and economic discussions
with her counterpart from Niger, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and
African Integration, Mrs Aichatou Mindaoudou at the Presidential Guesthouse in
Pretoria. Minister Dlamini Zuma will host Minister Mindaoudou within the
context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate bilateral political, economic
and trade relations with Niger. Issues on the agenda of discussions between
Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Mindaoudou are expected to include, among others: - The
status of bilateral political and economic relations between both countries including
co-operation projects between both countries;
- Political developments in
West and Southern Africa including Côte d'Ivoire and the forthcoming Nigerian
elections; and
- Other issues of global importance including the comprehensive
reform of the United Nations.
Minister Mindaoudou is expected to depart
from South Africa on Thursday 19 April 2007. Bilateral Economic Relations Areas
of cooperation that may be explored would focus on science and technology with
the aim of assisting Niger to improve its agricultural and mining methods. At
least 90% of Niger's labour force is engaged in (mostly subsistence) agriculture.
Agriculture contributes over 50% of Niger's GDP. In terms of NEPAD objectives
for the promotion of development, South Africa could assist Niger though sharing
its technological and agricultural expertise in the mining and agricultural sectors.
South African trade with Niger South Africa's exports to Niger
are headed by parts and accessories, mechanical appliances and miscellaneous manufactured
articles. South Africa's imports from Niger are headed by textiles, plastics
and articles thereof. South African exports to Niger (R million) 2003:
R64 million
2004: R34 million
2005: R36 million
2006: R54 million South
African imports from Niger (R million) 2003: R3 million
2004: R402
thousand
2005: R1,7 million
2006: R2 million Media
Programme for Official Visit to South Africa by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-Operation
and African Integration of Niger, Aichatou Mindaoudou, Wednesday 18 April 2007
For
further information contact Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587 Issued by
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 17
April 2007
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