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President Mbeki to pay Working Visit to the Republic of the Sudan
Pretoria – South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, will on Monday 16 June 2008 depart for Sudan where he will pay a two day Working Visit to Khartoum and Juba scheduled from Tuesday – Wednesday 17-18 June 2008.
As Chair of the African Union Post Conflict and Reconstruction Committee in Sudan, President Mbeki’s visit to Sudan comes within the context of South Africa’s support for peace efforts in the country and post-conflict reconstruction and development.
In this regard, during the visit President Mbeki is scheduled to hold discussions with both President Omer Hassan Ahmed El Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit, particularly on the latest developments in the Sudan.
Issues on the agenda of discussions will include, amongst others:
- The implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA);
- The conflict in Darfur region; and
- South Africa – Sudan bilateral relations
South Africa – Sudan Bilateral Relations
South Africa and Sudan have good bilateral relations and the former is currently in the process of establishing an Embassy in Sudan.
One of the major projects South Africa is involved in is the Department of Foreign Affairs-led Capacity and Institution Building Project for Southern Sudan which has trained over 800 Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) officials to date.
South Africa has also deployed a battalion and civilian police in Darfur as part of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNAMID) and it continues to support the Darfur peace efforts through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Economic Relations
Trade figures between South Africa and the Sudan have increased in favour of South Africa.
| Exports: |
Amount: |
| 2008 |
R718 412 000 |
| 2007 |
R463 992 000 |
| Imports: |
Amount: |
| 2008 |
R50 000 |
| 2007 |
R6 970 000 |
South African exports to Sudan include base metals, machinery, vehicles, wood pulp, plastics and chemicals while imports from Sudan include vegetables, animal fats, plastics and machinery.
A growing number of South African companies have also shown an interest in operating in the Sudan.
President Mbeki will return to South Africa on Thursday 18 June 2008.
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
15 June 2008 |
