Minister Dlamini Zuma Concludes Discussions with Egyptian counterpart

Cairo – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today Sunday 3 February 2008 held discussions with her Egyptian counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Aboul Gheit within the context of the South Africa – Egypt Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC).

Minister Dlamini Zuma arrived in Cairo, Egypt earlier on Sunday from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where she was part of President Mbeki’s delegation to the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government.

During discussions aimed at consolidating bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Aboul Gheit expressed confidence in the existing bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Aboul Gheit also reviewed the outcomes of the recently concluded African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government. 

In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma congratulated Egypt on the successful election of its candidate for the post of Infrastructure and Energy Elham Mahmood Ahmed Ibrahim and the opportunity to host the next session of the Assembly of Heads of State in July 2008 in Sharm El-Sheik.

Regarding the integration of Africa, Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Aboul Gheit reiterated their support of the political and economic integration of the African continent.

Both Ministers also discussed developments within Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Chad.

Minister Gheit briefed Minister Dlamini Zuma on Egypt’s understanding of the situation in the Middle East, specifically in Gaza and Lebanon, while both Ministers considered the Iranian nuclear issue and affirmed their support of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Within this context, upon conclusion of their bilateral discussions, Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Aboul Gheit held discussions with the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Dr Mohamed ElBaradei.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will on Monday 4 February 2008 pay a courtesy call on President Hosni Mubarak, hold discussions with the Secretary-General of the Arab League Amre Moussa and the Minister of Trade and Industry Rashid Mohamed Rashid to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations between South Africa and Egypt.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is scheduled to return to South Africa on Tuesday 5 February 2008 ahead of the opening of Parliament and President Mbeki’s State of the Nation Address.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

3 February 2008