Minister Dlamini Zuma arrives in Germany ahead of scheduled bilateral meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier

Berlin- South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrived Sunday in Berlin ahead of her scheduled bilateral discussions with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday 9 March.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will be supported during the visit to Germany by Foreign Affairs Director-General Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba, South Africa’s Ambassador to ‘Germany Eddie Funde, South Africa’s Consul-General Tselane Mokuena and senior government officials.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is on a four-nation European visit aimed at consolidating bilateral political, economic and trade relations between South Africa with European countries whilst advancing North-South relations and consolidating the African Agenda. In this context, Minister Dlamini Zuma, visited Switzerland, the UK, and now Germany and will later this week visit Denmark.

Discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and Minister Walter´-Steinmeier will focus on among others:

• Review of existing bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries
• The forthcoming G20 meeting scheduled for London
• Reform of the Global financial architecture
• Consolidation of the African Agenda
• Preparations for the forthcoming Confederations Cup and the FIFA 2010 World Cup

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Germany remain sound, dynamic and wide-ranging. Relations cover a wide variety of issues including investment and trade, science and technology, defence, culture, environment, tourism, sport, development co-operation as well as energy. These are regulated through existing bilateral committees that meet regularly throughout the year at ministerial and official’s levels.

By the year 2007, Germany was South Africa` second largest export market. Exports amounted to R45billion in 2008 indicating a strong growth from previous years from R20 billion in 2004. On the other hand in 2007 Germany was South Africa’s largest source of imports. By 2008 imports amounted to R77 billion having grown from R44 billion in 2004.

During her visit to Germany, Minister Dlamini Zuma will also address the African Diplomatic Corps based in Berlin to exchange views on African developmental issues as well as the current global issues.

Whilst in Berlin Minister Dlamini Zuma will also have an opportunity to interact with the German businesses co-hosted by the Deutsche Afrika-Stiftung and the Deutsche Industrie –und Handelskammer during a breakfast meeting scheduled for later in the day to discuss the current global financial and economic crisis.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
South African Embassy-Berlin,
Germany
9 March 2009