Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe to host the first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic, Ms Helena Bambasova in Cape Town, 25 March 2010.

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ms Sue van der Merwe will, on Tuesday 25th March 2010, host the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic, Ms Helena Bambasova at 120 Plein Street in Cape Town.

The Republic of South Africa and the Czech Republic enjoy cordial relations also evidenced by continuing exchange of high level visits in both directions. The visit to South Africa by the Czech First Deputy Minister will further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries. Accordingly discussions between the Deputy Minister van der Merwe and First Deputy Minister Helena Bambasova will focus, among others, on:

• Strengthening political and economic relations.
• Cooperation in education and skills development.
• Reviewing existing agreements and draft agreements.
• Partnership in advancing the African Developmental Agenda
• Sharing notes on developments in Africa and Europe.
• Cooperation in the Global Governance System

South Africa and Czech Republic have common objectives in a number of areas such as:

• A commitment to increase bilateral trade, investment and technical cooperation
• A better life for their peoples and a better world for all.
• A commitment to the rule of law, democracy, good governance, human rights and multilateralism.
• The reform of the Global Governance System, including the UNSC and International Financial Institutions, fight against transnational, disarmament and non-proliferation, Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

The President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Vaclav Klaus paid a state visit to South Africa during December 2006.  The visit was of historical importance since it was the first visit of a Head of State from the Czech Republic since the Velvet Revolution and their separation from Slovakia in 1991.

This was followed by a reciprocal visit from 19th to 20 May 2008 to the Czech Republic by the former Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka, accompanied by the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry and Arts and Culture and 31 officials. 

During her visit to South Africa First Deputy Minister Helena Bambasova is also expected to
hold discussions with the Speaker of the South African Parliament, Mr Max Sisulu.

For more information contact Mr Mahlatsi Mminele on 082 889 9432

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag x152
Pretoria, 0001
                       
23 March 2010