Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrives in Brussels to Co-Chair SADC – EU Ministerial Troika Meeting, 11 November 2008.

Brussels – South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Sunday 09 November 2008 arrived in Brussels to co-chair the Southern African Development Community (SADC) - European Union (EU) Ministerial Troika meeting with Mr Alain Joyandet, French Minister of State for Cooperation and the Francophonie, representing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled for 11 November 2008.

The Ministerial meeting will be preceded by a Senior Officials meeting on Monday,10 November 2008 and will  focus on review of peace, security and governance particularly in the SADC region,  capacity building within SADC,   regional integration, development cooperation and economic partnership. In addition the Ministerial meeting is expected to reflect on the current global financial crisis, food and energy prices and will receive a presentation on the SADC Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO).

The SADC – EU Ministerial Troika review meeting takes the form of consultations and convenes every two years.  Essentially it is meant to reflect on areas of cooperation and implementation of decisions taken between the two regions. 

The EU is a significant contributor and supporter to the programmes of SADC, covering a number of areas such as HIV and AIDS, Malaria and other issues which are of significance to the region. 

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X 152
Pretoria, 0001

09 November 2008.