Media Statement Minister Dlamini Zuma arrives in Belarus ahead of Discussions with Belarusian Counterpart, Minister Martynov

Minsk – South African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Wednesday 10 September 2008, began her four-day official visit to Belarus by meeting her counterpart, Minister Sergei Martynov for bilateral political and economic discussions.

During the discussions, Minister Dlamini Zuma indicated that a process is underway to open a South African Consul-General office in Belarus which will be under the supervision of the Moscow Embassy, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Minister Sergei Martynov welcomed this move and indicated the full support of the Belarusian government.

Both countries expressed confidence that the next SA - Belarus ITEC session scheduled for November 2008 in South Africa will be fruitful.

Minister Martynov also expressed gratitude to Minister Dlamini Zuma for including a small and medium-sized business delegation to accompany her to Belarus, aimed at exploring business opportunities in Belarus and undertook to encourage the business community in Belarus to open its doors to South African businesses.

Co-operation in the multilateral fora in the United Nations and in the Non Aligned Movement between Belarus and South Africa was also discussed.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will tomorrow, Thursday, 11 September 2008, pay a courtesy call to President Alexander Lukaschenko.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on +27 82 459 3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
c/o South African Embassy
Moscow

10 September 2008