Media statement on the occasion of the state visit by the President of the Republic of Angola, His Excellency  Engineer José Eduardo Dos Santos on a two days state visit to South Africa from 13- 15 December 2010

The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma will host His Excellency, Engineer Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola for a two day state visit to South Africa scheduled to take place from 13 – 15 December 2010.

This is a historic visit as it is the first state visit to South Africa by HE President dos Santos. The visit follows the successful August 2009 state visit to Angola by HE President Zuma during which several agreements/memoranda of understanding were signed between the two countries.

President Zuma will be hosting his Angolan counterpart within the context of the continued prioritisation of the African continent, as well as the enhancing and deepening of bilateral relations and mutual co-operation.

The two Presidents will review progress on the key areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. These include among others energy; agriculture; transport; trade and investment; mining; infrastructural development; communication; arts and culture; and education.

It is anticipated that His Excellency, President dos Santos will be accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers and a business delegation that would participate in a Business Forum to explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries.

His Excellency, President Zuma is likewise expected to be supported by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana Mashabane;  Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies;  Energy, Ms Dipuo Peters;  Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson; Mineral Resources, Ms Susan Shabangu; Human Settlements, Mr Tokyo Sexwale;  Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande; Public Works, Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde; Minister of Transport, Mr Sbusiso Joel Ndebele; Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; and Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile.

During the visit, a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed.

The two Heads of State are expected to exchange views on issues affecting the region, continent and the world, especially bearing in mind that in 2011 Angola will take over the chairmanship of SADC while South Africa will assume the chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.

Trade statistics between the two countries show a steady growth. For example, in 2009 South African exports to Angola amounted to R5.5 billion whilst Angolan exports to South Africa amounted to almost R12 billion. South African exports to Angola includes a wide range of products whilst Angolan exports are predominantly petroleum related products. Almost 90% of Angolan exports to SA in 2009 were petroleum related products. It is expected that trade cooperation between the two countries would grow to greater heights against the backdrop of strengthened political relations.

For further information please contact Spokesperson Mr Clayson Monyela, on 082 806 7405

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

10 December 2010