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Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad to host Syrian Counterpart for Discussions Pretoria
- South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will host his Syrian counterpart
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Faisal Mikdad for discussions at the Diplomatic
Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday 31 January 2007. Deputy Minister Pahad
will host his counterpart within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate
bilateral relations with Syria and promote the peaceful resolution of the Middle
East conflict. Issues on the agenda of discussions are expected to include,
among others: - The status of bilateral political and economic relations
between the two countries;
- Developments in Iraq;
- The Israel-Palestinian
peace process including the outcome of discussions between Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal in Syria earlier this month;
- Issues
of multilateral importance with regard to South Africa's accession to the non-permanent
seat of the United Nations Security Council and the comprehensive reform of the
United Nations.
While in South Africa, Vice Minister Mikdad is expected
to hold discussions with Ministers Naledi Pandor, Ronnie Kasrils, Dr Essop Pahad
and Deputy Minister Jabu Moleketi. Vice Minister Mikdad will depart from
South Africa on Sunday 4 February 2007. Bilateral Economic Relations | Year | Exports | Imports | | 2001 | R
5 188 874 | R 38 460 645 | | 2002 | R
6 440 069 | R 60 423 477 | | 2003 | R
5 546 522 | R 109 955 787 | | 2004 | R
3 696 001 | R 21 841 631 | | 2005 | R4
318 090 | R 39 134 003 | | 2006
(JAN-OCT) | R 3 362 519 | R
43 715 547 |
*Source: South African Revenue Service Main
imports from Syria between in 2006 consisted of vegetable products textiles and
textiles articles. Main exports to Syria between 2006 consisted of base
metals, articles of base metals, chemical products, prepared foodstuffs, beverages
and manufactured tobacco substitutes. MTN recently bought ownership of Areeba,
a hitherto Lebanese-owned cellphone company with main operations in Syria. The
investment amounts to in excess of US$ 1billion The MTN-Areeba deal is
sure to be a springboard and forerunner for similar South African investments
in Syria.
Media Programme
for Visit to South Africa by Syrian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Faisal
Mikdad Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa
on 082 990 4853 Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 30
January 2007 | 
