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Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to host Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg
Pretoria – Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will hold bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg at the Union Buildings, Pretoria on Thursday 17 April 2008. Prime Minister Stoltenberg’s visit to South Africa is scheduled from Wednesday – Friday 16 – 18 April 2008.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka will meet Prime Minster Stoltenberg within the context of South Africa’s priority to strengthen bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Norway and with a view to consolidating North-South relations.
Norway enjoys excellent bilateral relations with South Africa. It was a staunch supporter of the liberation movements during the struggle for democracy in South Africa. The gist of the Norwegian policy towards South Africa during the apartheid years was generally to effect fundamental change through boycotts and withdrawal of business and trade relations. Norway continues to play an important role in supporting transformation in post-apartheid South Africa.
In this regard, engagements between Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Prime Minister Stoltenberg will include among others:
- The strengthening of bilateral political and economic relations;
- An active expansion of economic ties and cooperation with emphasis on Asgisa and Jipsa;
- Cooperation in climate change and energy issues;
- Possibilities for cooperation on the continent;
- The reform of the United Nations (UN); and
- The attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on gender, children, the vaccination of children, HIV and Aids and other infectious diseases.
While in South Africa Prime Minister Stoltenberg will, among others, pay a courtesy call on former President Nelson Mandela; hold discussions with the President of the African National Congress, Mr Jacob Zuma; visit Soccer City Stadium as part of the “Greening 2010” project, and visit the Apartheid Museum.
Prime Minister Stoltenberg is scheduled to depart for Norway on Friday 18 April 2008.
Trade between South Africa and Norway
| Year |
SA
Exports (R'000 000) |
SA Imports (R'000 000) |
| 1997 |
R206 949 000 |
R129 406 000 |
| 1998 |
R214 886 000 |
R147 510 000 |
| 1999 |
R161 334 000 |
R214 600 000 |
| 2000 |
R176 699 000 |
R212 997 000 |
| 2001 |
R207 794 000 |
R249 540 000 |
| 2002 |
R361 859 000 |
R342 786 000 |
| 2003 |
R313 948 000 |
R363 832 000 |
| 2004 |
R257 768 000 |
R345 610 000 |
| 2005 |
R298 828 000 |
R448 380 000 |
| 2006 |
R490 217 000 |
R683 397 000 |
| 2007 (Jan - Nov) |
R1 262 361 000 |
R1 006 888 000 |
Media Programme for Prime Minister Stoltenberg’s visit Thursday 17 April 2008
For further information contact:
- Nthabiseng Rantao on 082 570 5503
- Xolani Malawana on 084 508 5833
- David Masango on 083 279 7520
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
15 April 2008
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