Joint Communiqué issued at the Conclusion of the Visit of Minister Aichatou Mindaoudou, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of the Republic of Niger, to the Republic of South Africa, 18 April 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 the strengthening of traditional, friendly and cooperation relations existing between the Republic of South Africa and Niger, H.E Mrs Aichatou MINDAOUDOU, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of Niger, paid an Official Visit to South Africa on 18 April 2007.

Minister DLAMINI ZUMA had bilateral political discussions with her counterpart, Minister MINDAOUDOU, 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 Mamadou TANDJA and H.E President Thabo MBEKI.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral political relations, and noted the scope of cooperation in various fields, namely, foreign affairs, trade and industry, mining and energy, agriculture, and other areas of mutual interest.

Following the finalisation of the project proposal for the establishment of a meat-processing facility in Niamey, South Africa will dispatch a team of experts to Niger to commence with the first phase in establishing an abattoir in Niger. In this regard, the two Ministers agreed to the creation of a joint steering committee for this project. The composition of the committee and the frequency of the meetings will be determined by the technical experts. The second project, related to the milk processing plant in Niger, will commence as soon as the project proposals have been finalised.

In other areas such as trade, minerals and energy, as well as transport, the two parties agreed to continue their discussions.

With a view to laying a legal framework for cooperation, they welcomed the steps undertaken to establish a South Africa-Niger Joint Commission of Cooperation. The Ministers agreed on the text of the Agreement to establish the South Africa-Niger Joint Commission of Cooperation and will sign this Agreement in early May 2007 on the margins of the African Union Ministerial Retreat conference in Durban. The Joint Commission will hold its first session at a date which will be mutually agreed through the diplomatic channel.

Both Ministers welcomed the decision of both Governments to open Diplomatic Missions in their respective capitals and expressed the view that this will contribute towards the strengthening of bonds of friendship and cooperation between South Africa and Niger.

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.

Minister DLAMINI ZUMA was briefed on recent developments in Côte d'Ivoire and on the forthcoming presidential elections in Nigeria and in Mali. Both Ministers urged all Ivorian parties to remain committed to the implementation of the peace process. The Ministers further welcomed the appointment of Mr Guillaume Soro as the new Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, and wished him well in the execution of his duties. The Ministers also expressed their confidence in the presidential election process and wished the people of Nigeria and Mali every success in the outcome of their votes.

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 underscored the indispensability of NEPAD in the continent's efforts to deal with the twin challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. They 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 are convinced 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 the commitment of the two countries to the continued reform of the global governance system.

The Ministers also emphasised the need to deal with both security and development issues and in this regard, they urged the IMF and the World Bank 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 MINDAOUDOU expressed her profound gratitude to Minister DLAMINI ZUMA and to the Government and People of South Africa for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to her and her delegation.

Minister MINDAOUDOU extended an invitation to her counterpart to pay a working visit to Niger. The date of the visit will be determined through the Diplomatic Channel.

Done in Pretoria, on 18 April 2007.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

18 April 2007