Joint Communiqué issued at the end of the State Visit to South Africa by His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda President of the Republic of South Zambia, 2nd – 3rd December 2010.
At the invitation of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, paid a two day State Visit to South Africa from 2nd to 3rd December 2010.
His Excellency President Banda was accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Thandiwe Banda, five Ministers, Government Officers and a business delegation.
The two Heads of State held official talks during which they reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. The two Heads of State recalled Zambia’s steadfast support for the liberation struggle in South Africa that has resulted in the establishment of deep mutual bonds of solidarity and friendship between the people of South Africa and Zambia.
The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the cordial relations that exist between the two countries and further expressed the need to deepen cooperation in the fight against poverty, underdevelopment and HIV/AIDS.
The two Heads of State noted with satisfaction the ever-growing trade relations between the two countries as manifested by increasing bilateral investments.
The two Heads of State addressed the Zambia/South Africa Business Forum held in Johannesburg, which attracted business entrepreneurs from both countries, aimed at promoting joint ventures, trade and investment in the two countries.
The highlight of the visit was the signing of the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Management and Natural Resources. This MoU will further enhance the consolidation and expansion of the bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Zambia.
The two Heads of State noted the steady progress in the implementation of the Agreements and MoUs signed during the State Visit by President Zuma to Zambia in December 2009, and urged the relevant government departments and entities to expedite the process of implementation.
The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to SADC regional integration and reiterated their commitment to working together in promoting the SADC Agenda.
The two Heads of State also expressed their commitment to African Unity and integration within the framework of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. They also underscored the importance of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as the blue print for Africa’s socio economic development. In this regard they agreed to work towards the development of the North-South corridor.
Regarding international matters, the two Presidents reiterated their common view on the need to reform the multilateral institutions including the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods Institutions to better represent the interests of the developing countries.
During the visit, His Excellency President Banda laid a wreath at the Freedom Park Monument in commemoration of the fallen heroes of the liberation struggle.
His Excellency President Banda also visited Wattville cemetery where he laid wreaths at the graves of the former President of the ANC, OR Tambo and his wife, Mrs Adelaide Tambo.
President Banda received in audience His Excellency Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe who paid a courtesy call on him.
His Excellency, President Banda visited an agriculture project, Greenway Farms, in the Tarlton Area of Gauteng to learn best practices in farm mechanization.
His Excellency President Banda congratulated South Africa for successfully hosting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, an event which made Africa proud.
His Excellency, President Banda also conveyed to His Excellency, President Zuma Zambia’s congratulations following South Africa’s successful election as a non- permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2011 to 2012. In this regard, President Zuma assured his counterpart that South Africa will prioritise the African Continent, promote peace and security and focus on the African Agenda during the two-year tenure at the United Nations Security Council.
At the conclusion of the State Visit, His Excellency, President Rupiah Banda expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, the Government and people of South Africa for the fraternal reception and warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during the visit.
Done in Pretoria on 3rd December 2010.
Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation 460 Soutpansberg Road Rietondale
