Joint Communiqué on the occasion of the Launch of the South Africa – Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission, 18 March 2008

At the invitation of H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and within the framework of strengthening of bilateral relations existing between the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr Seyoum Mesfin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and a delegation of Ethiopian Senior Officials visited South Africa to attend the launch of the South Africa – Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission from 17 – 18 March 2008.

During the session, the South African and Ethiopian delegations noted with satisfaction the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. The two delegations recalled the signing of the Declaration of Intent in March 1998 and the General Co-operation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in March 2004.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral political relations, and noted the wide scope of co-operation in various fields, namely: foreign affairs; agriculture and rural development; arts and culture; capacity building and public service and administration; communications; environment and tourism; defence; health; investment; mines and energy; trade and technical co-operation.

With a view to laying a legal framework for co-operation, they welcomed the steps undertaken to establish a South Africa-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission.  At the completion of the meeting, both Ministers signed the Agreement to establish the South Africa-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission.  

In the context of increasing trade and investment between the two countries, the Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment and the Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial and technical Cooperation were also signed.

Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma had bilateral discussions with her counterpart, Minister Seyoum Mesfin, during which Minister Dlamini Zuma was briefed on the recent developments in Ethiopia; the preparations for the forthcoming local and regional elections; Ethiopia’s role with regard to the restoration of peace, security and stability in Somalia under the guiding principles of the AU; and the Ethio-Eritrea border impasse.  With regard to the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, Minister Dlamini Zuma urged both Parties to remain committed to the implementation of the Algiers Peace Agreement.  Both Ministers reaffirmed their determination to work for peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

With regard to Continental issues, the two sides noted their respective roles within the African Union and confirmed their commitment to the strengthening of the African Union and its various organs.  Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the consolidation of the African Agenda and the centrality of NEPAD in the Continent’s efforts to deal with the twin challenges of poverty and underdevelopment.

At the end of the visit, Minister Mesfin expressed his profound gratitude to Minister Dlamini Zuma and the Government and the People of South Africa for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

The next meeting of officials will be convened in Addis Ababa in 2009 to finalise negotiations on all draft agreements that have been exchanged between the two delegations and to further explore areas of co-operation. This meeting will also prepare for the 2nd session of the JMC to be held in Ethiopia in 2010.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 March 2008