First South Africa-Congo Joint Commission for Cooperation to take place on 28 October 2010 in Cape Town

The Republics of Congo and South Africa are due to launch the inaugural session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). The meeting will be co-chaired by Ms Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and her counterpart, Mr Basile Ikouebe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Congo, on 28 October 2010 in Cape Town.

The JCC was preceded by a preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting from 25 to 26 October 2010 in Pretoria. This high level meeting is a special event as it is the first session of the JCC since the signing of the General Cooperation Agreement instituting the Ministerial Commission on 25 November 2003 by former Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The main objectives of the JCC are to further strengthen the excellent relations between our countries. The meeting will also address the crucial matter of the implementation of signed agreements, challenges and possible solutions. This should translate into tangible mutual bilateral programmes that will strengthen the relations between South Africa and the Republic of Congo.

South Africa-Congo Bilateral Relations

Formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Congo date from 22 March 1993. Cooperation between the two countries was formalised by the signing of the umbrella General Cooperation Agreement on 25 November 2003.

Several high level visits have been exchanged between the two countries. Former President Thabo Mbeki paid a state visit to the Republic of Congo in November 2005. The visit paved the way for the strengthening of bilateral relations between South Africa and Congo. It was during the said state visit that projects ranging from health, transport, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, culture to security were agreed to by Presidents Sassou-Nguesso and Mbeki.

However, progress on the mentioned sectors is very minimal. Hence, the decision to launch the inaugural session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation this year to ensure acceleration of the implementation and monitoring of signed agreements.

Numerous Ministerial visits have taken place, including those of Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Transport, Trade and industry, Defence, Science and Health.

Bilateral Trade

SA exports to the Republic of Congo include parts for boring or sinking machinery; juice, fruit, vegetables, parts and accessories of machines, propylene copolymers, front-end shovel loaders, light oils, containers, sodium triphosphate, telephones for cellular networks, mineral water, cable and other electrical conductor.

SA imports from the Republic of Congo include storage units, wrapping machinery, household furniture, trade advertising material, commercial catalogues, parts for boring or sinking machinery.

For more information, please contact Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on +27 351 0083, +27 82 940 1647 or email him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za .

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

27 October 2010