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Statement on Conclusion of South Africa - Switzerland Bilateral
Discussions Cape Town - Delegations of the Republic of South Africa and
the Swiss Confederation met on 19 February 2007 in Cape Town, South Africa. The
Delegation of the Republic of South Africa was headed by Deputy Minister Pahad,
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Delegation of the
Swiss Confederation was headed by Dr Michael Ambühl, Switzerland's Secretary
of State. The discussions were held in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere.
The following issues were discussed: Bilateral relations, International issues
of mutual concern, developments in the African Union and NEPAD, Peace Promotion
and Development Cooperation Projects.
The two delegations agreed that
the relations between the two countries are sound and cordial. Both parties recognised
the need to deepen their relations and agreed that the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding in 2007 between the two governments would be necessary to ensure
their continued cooperation at all levels. Switzerland is very supportive
of Africa and its development agenda. South Africa welcomes the Swiss Development
Agency's "Special Programme" which has been successful in its projects.
Both South Africa and Switzerland believe that there is a room for improvement
and cooperation on new projects. The two delegations agreed to continue collaboration
on development cooperation. Both parties agreed to discuss a way forward
to address the challenges faced in the African Region. The two delegations agreed
to cooperate in promoting peace in the Great Lakes Region and Sudan. Both
parties agreed that on the basis of experiences of South Africa and Switzerland
in the field of Human Rights, more issues such as transitional justice, woman
and child abuse, land and property rights, disarmament, small arms proliferation
and business management will be discussed. Switzerland and South Africa
have maintained a good working relationship within the United Nations and its
institutions, and both believe in the reform of the United Nations and particularly
the Security Council. The two delegations also agreed to deliberate more intensively
on matters of common interest in the Human Rights Council.
South Africa
and Switzerland are concerned about the situation in the Middle East and both
share the same view that a two state solution is necessary to bring about peace
between Israel and Palestine. The two delegations agreed to discuss ways of cooperating
to assist with the peace process in the Middle East Region. Switzerland
invited South Africa to the 13th Meeting of the Working Group to be held in Bern
in 2008. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 Department of
Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 19 February
2007
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