Joint Communiqué on President Jacob Zuma's Visit to Equatorial Guinea

At the invitation of His Excellency OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Jacob ZUMA, President of the Republic of South Africa, carried out a Working Visit to Equatorial Guinea, from the 3rd to the 4th of November, 2009, heading a high-level delegation.

This visit comes up within the framework of strengthening the excellent relationship of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries.

His Excellency Jacob Zuma was received, upon alighting from the aircraft, by the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO in the presence of high State Officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Equatorial Guinea and a large mass of people to grant him a warm and tremendous welcome to the country.

The visit of His Excellency Jacob ZUMA provided a good opportunity for both States to proceed to review different issues relating to bilateral cooperation, as well as reflect on latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Africa, and both Dignitaries have acknowledged a convergence in points of view on all subjects and issues discussed.

Concerning the bilateral relationship, the two Heads of State have commended the achievements made in the context of the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, expressing their strong desire to promote and diversify the economic, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between the governments of the both states. In this regard, following negotiations by the two delegations in the presence of the two leaders they came to the conclusion to sign in the near future some agreements. Two important Memorandas of Understanding, namely, the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Training and Exchange of Experience in the field Diplomatic and Consular Matters and the Memorandum of Understanding on Common Interests and Mutual consultations were identified as among the priorities.

The two Heads of State have stressed, amongst other things, the need to promote private sector cooperation between the two countries. On this point President OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO renewed his invitation to the businesspersons of the Republic of South Africa to invest in the economy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.-

During the exchange of views on bilateral issues, His Excellency Jacob ZUMA, renewed his support for his friend and brother OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO and for the People of Equatorial Guinea in view of the destabilisation attempts that threatened his country, and especially those that occurred on February 17th, 2009, strongly condemning such actions.

At the African continent level, the two Heads of State tackled the various issues currently affecting the continent. In this regard, they expressed a great concern over the current situation and express a strong desire to redouble the efforts to support implementation of all commitments adopted under the New Economic Partnership for Africa‘s Development (NEPAD). They also expressed concern about the global economic crisis that is currently affecting the world. In this regard, they expressed a desire to take appropriate and sustainable actions to reduce this phenomenon.

The two Heads of State agreed on the need for strong support to African initiatives to prevent and resolve conflicts. At the same time, they have condemned the actions of mercenaries in Africa and reaffirmed the total importance of the respect of the Algiers Declaration against unconstitutional changes of governments.

At the international level, the two Heads of State agreed on the need to support initiatives for the prevention and peaceful settlement of conflicts, the respect of the United Nations Charter, independence and sovereignty of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Moreover, both Heads of State have renewed their profound adherence to the principles of democracy, respect of human rights, Rule of Law and good economic and Political governance, which are core values of any economic and social development policy.

In respect of the fight against terrorism, mercenary activity and Piracy, both heads of state have condemned without reservation, these evils, and renewed their determination to fully contribute to the efforts of the international community to combat and eradicate them.

During his stay in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the President of South Africa laid a wreath at the monument of those who fell for the Fatherland, and also visited important places in the cities of Bata and Malabo, which created great interest in the Distinguished Visitor.

Taking into account the hosting of the upcoming FIFA Football World Cup in South Africa in 2010, an event which gives both pride and a great promise for the entire African continent, His Excellency OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO made on behalf of himself, the government and people of Equatorial Guinea, the desire for greater success for this important event, while offering full support for this successful sporting development.

His Excellency Jacob ZUMA, President of the Republic of South Africa, extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit South Africa, and His Excellency OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, President of Equatorial Guinea, agreed to undertake such a State Visit for which further details will be provided through diplomatic channel.

At the end of his visit, His Excellency Jacob ZUMA, President of the Republic of South Africa expressed his gratitude to His Excellency OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, for the warm reception and fraternal hospitality accorded to him, as well as to the whole members of his delegation during his working visit to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Done at Malabo, on this 4th day of November, 2009, in two originals, in the Spanish and English languages, with both texts being equally authentic.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF            .................FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE REPUBLIC OF                            .............THE REPUBLIC OF
EQUATORIAL GUENIA                    ............... SOUTH AFRICA

His Excellency Mr. Jose ESONO AKENG,       .....Her Excellency Mrs. Maite NKOANA-MASHABANE
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs,              ........  Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
International Cooperation And Francophony