1. At the invitation of H.E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda paid an official visit to South Africa. Minister Museminali’s visit took place within the framework of the General Cooperation Agreement between South Africa and Rwanda.

2. Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Museminali co-chaired the fifth session of the South Africa-Rwanda Joint Commission of Cooperation which was preceded by a meeting of senior officials that reviewed the status of work done within the framework of the General Cooperation Agreement. The Ministers expressed their determination to expand and consolidate relations between the two countries, particularly in the political, economic, cultural, scientific and technical fields.
   
   
3. Minister Museminali was received in audience by H E President Kgalema Motlanthe during which she conveyed fraternal greetings of H E President Paul Kagame.
   
   
4. The  highlight of the JCC was the signing of Agreements on Cooperation in the fields of Arts and Culture, on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and on Joint Cooperation on Capacity Building and Training in the Forestry, Water and Sanitation Sector.
   
   
5. The implementation of the existing Agreements on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, Avoidance of Double Taxation and Agriculture were discussed, and action plans were recorded in the Report. Future cooperation in the fields of Education, and Public Service and Administration were discussed.
   
   
6. Dr Dlamini Zuma and Minister Museminali reflected on the political situation in the continent with specific focus on the Great Lakes region, as well as other African regional and international issues of mutual interest. Minister Dlamini Zuma on behalf of the Government of South Africa welcomed the cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC which will act as a catalyst in normalising relations between these two sister countries and also could bring about stability in the Great Lakes region. As a demonstration of their commitment to South-South cooperation the Ministers agreed to renew the Cuban Medical Brigade program, which will ensure that health services  will continue to be rendered to the people of Rwanda.

7. H.E Minister Dlamini Zuma briefed Hon. Minister Museminali on the progress made in the Burundi peace process and the situation in Darfur. The Ministers expressed their concern about the grave situation in Madagascar, and reaffirmed the position of the African Union.
   
   
8. In her closing remarks Dr Dlamini Zuma expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and urged both delegations to implement all outstanding decisions flowing from the Fifth Session of the JCC. She thanked both delegations for the cordial and candid manner in which they conducted their deliberations, which exemplify the value that they both attach to this relationship as a strategic partnership for cooperation and development.

9. In response Honourable Rosemary Museminali expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded to her and her delegation since their arrival in South Africa. She reiterated the need to maintain momentum and carry out the decisions of the JCC within the spirit of the General Cooperation Agreement between South Africa and Rwanda. Minister Museminali congratulated South Africa on its peaceful campaign ahead of its fourth democratic elections and wished the country well.
   
   
10. In accordance with the General Cooperation Agreement, the Ministers agreed that the Sixth session of the South Africa - Rwanda JCC will convene in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2011 at a date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Cape Town
25 March 2009