Deputy Minister Hajaig concludes Official Visit to Japan

Tokyo – South African Deputy Minister Fatima Hajaig on Thursday 29 January 2009 concluded her 4-day official visit to Japan during which she consolidated bilateral political, economic and trade relations between Japan and South Africa. 

While in Japan, Deputy Minister Hajaig led a senior South African government delegation to the 9th Japan – South Africa Partnership Forum within the context of South Africa’s priority to strengthen North-South relations with a view to consolidating the African developmental agenda.  Deputy Minister Hajaig co-chaired the Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum with her counterpart Deputy Minister Seiko Hashimoto from Monday – Tuesday 26-27 January 2009.

The 9th Japan – South Africa Partnership reviewed:

• The status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries;
• Domestic developments in Japan and South Africa;
• Recent developments within SADC and the African Union;
• Follow up activities of TICAD IV;
• African conflict situations;
• The Middle East;
• Japan’s priorities and objectives for its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council;
• The comprehensive reform of the global governance architecture including the United Nations and the Bretton Woods Institutions; and
• Global issues of interest including the financial crisis and climate change.

While in Japan Deputy Minister Hajaig also held discussions with Foreign Minister Nakasone and Ambassador Oshima and Senior Vice President of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

30 January 2009