Media Statement Minister Dlamini Zuma concludes Visit to Tunis ahead of Belarus Official Visit

Tunis – South African Foreign Minister; Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Wednesday, 10 September 2008, departed from Tunis for Minsk ahead of her official visit to Minsk, Belarus scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September to Sunday, 14 September 2008

Minister Dlamini Zuma arrived in Tunis on Monday; 8 September 2008 where she co- chaired the Fifth session of the South Africa - Tunis Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) with her Tunisian counterpart, Minister Abdelwaheb Abdallah.

During her visit in Tunisia, Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma paid a courtesy call to President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and conveyed greetings from President Mbeki and reiterated an earlier call by President Mbeki inviting President Ben Ali to South Africa.

Successive meetings between Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma were convened with Minister of Development and Co-operation;Mr. Mohamed Nouri Jouini and Minister of Public Health, Mr. Mondher Zenaidi, Minister of Public Health.

During these discussions aimed at consolidating bilateral, political, economic and trade relations between the two countries, whilst expressing their satisfaction with the launch of the co-operation programme in the field of health; the two Ministers also emphasised the determination of their respective Heads of State to make every effort in making the Tunisian- South African co-operation an example of the consolidation of the African Agenda;

Amongst the key highlights of the discussions was the decision to embark on trilateral co-operation between South Africa, Tunisia and Mali on advanced training for Malian archivists tasked with the preservation of the Timbuktu manuscripts, which is a Presidental - led project.

Both Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the 5th JBC and reaffirmed their commitment to continue their engagement through regular dialogue and consultation. They also agreed to accelerate the effective implementation of the bilateral commitments expressed in the previous sessions.

In this regard; Minister Dlamini Zuma in her concluding remarks, quoting words expressed by President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela during his recent state visit to South Africa, urged both delegations to work hard and ensure that the 'agreements are not buried in the cemetery of bureaucracy'.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on + 27 82 459 3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, 0001

10 September 2008