Minister Dlamini Zuma and Ethiopian Counterpart to Launch SA-Ethiopia Joint Commission

Pretoria – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her Ethiopian counterpart Minister Seyoum Mesfin will launch the inaugural session of the South Africa-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) at the Diplomatic Guesthouse in Pretoria on Tuesday 18 March 2008.

The launch of the JMC comes within the context of South Africa’s commitment to strengthen bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Ethiopia and it will serve as the mechanism for monitoring and implementing decisions taken by the two countries on areas of co-operation.

The JMC will be preceded by a meeting of senior officials from both South Africa and Ethiopia to discuss possible areas of co-operation on Monday 17 March 2008 in Pretoria.

Discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and her Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin on Tuesday 18 March 2008 are expected to include, among others:

• The status of South Africa–Ethiopia bilateral relations;
• The Eritrea–Ethiopia border dispute;
• The Somali conflict; and
• Other issues of mutual interest.

It is expected that the following agreements will be signed on conclusion of the inaugural session of the JMC:

• Joint Ministerial Commission Agreement;
• Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment; and
• Memorandum of Understanding regarding Industrial and Technical Cooperation

Minister Seyoum is expected to depart from South Africa on Wednesday 19 March 2008.

Bilateral Economic Relations between South Africa and Ethiopia

Total trade between the two countries is currently standing at US$41.7 million, with South Africa’s exports to Ethiopia amounting to US$38.6 million, and imports from Ethiopia amounting to US$3.1 million.

Media Programme for the Joint Ministerial Commission between South Africa and Ethiopia

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

17 March 2008