South Africa- United States of America Strategic Dialogue
11-14 December 2010

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will be undertaking a visit to Washington DC from 11-14 December 2010. During this visit the Minister will be meeting with her counterpart, US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. This will be their first meeting under the auspices of the Strategic Dialogue which was established in April 2010. The purpose of the Strategic Dialogue is to meaningfully enhance partnership and cooperation between South Africa and the US.

The theme of this year’s Strategic Dialogue will be “South Africa: Open for Business” where it is anticipated that much discussion will take place on how the US and South Africa can cooperate further to promote mutually beneficial trade and investment. The South African delegation will work to strengthen ties in line with the South African Government’s identified domestic priorities, and to increase engagement and cooperation on global issues of mutual concern. Health cooperation will also be highlighted during the visit where the US has partnered significantly with SA in its fight against HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases.  In this regard, the two Foreign Ministers will be signing the Pepfar Partnership Framework, which is aimed at harmonising development assistance through the South African Government to improve efficiency and long-term sustainability in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  In addition, education, and agriculture in the context of rural development and food security, will be explored as possible areas for expanded cooperation.

During the SA-US Annual Bilateral Forum held in May 2010, which precedes the Strategic Dialogue, various Working Groups were established to map out ways in which to strengthen cooperation in the priority areas on an operational level. During this visit, these Working Groups will also be meeting with their counterparts in Washington D.C preceding the Ministerial meeting to record their progress to date, and report to the Minister and Secretary in this regard.

For further information please contact DIRCO’s Spokesperson, Mr Clayson Monyela, on 082 806 7405.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

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