Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to receive Brazilian Minister of External Relations H.E. Antonio Patriota, Pretoria, 23 July 2011

Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will receive her Brazilian counterpart, Minister Antonio Patriota on Saturday, 23 July 2011 in Waterkloof, Pretoria.

This important visit takes place within the context of further promoting South-South Cooperation and earnestly seeks to promote collaboration and cooperation between the two countries in the critical multilateral area of global governance, with specific reference to such international organizations as the United Nations, the G20, the IBSA Dialogue Forum and the BRICS Mechanism.

It is expected that discussions between the two Ministers will entail, but not be limited to economic and political governance. The Strategic Partnership Agreement in force between the two countries also commits both countries to building mutually beneficial relationships in areas such as bilateral trade, defence as well as cooperation in the fields of social development and social security.  Discussions could also touch on the current draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 2011 on Cooperation aimed at supporting the country’s organization of the major global sporting events, i.e. cooperation with Brazil for both the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games of 2016.

South Africa and Brazil share common views on the urgent need to have the UNSC reformed, with a view to making the Council to reflect geopolitical realities of today, by enhancing its representativeness, effectiveness and legitimacy. There is also committed between the two countries to consulting each other and coordinating their positions on major topics relevant to the international agenda. There is general commitment between the two countries on their role in developing strategies aimed at achieving sustainable peace and security, especially in countries in post-conflict situations.

In view of South Africa’s scheduled hosting of the African Diaspora Summit in 2012, talks could also touch on both the technical and political aspects of the planned Summit, including the African Diaspora Ministerial Meeting on 24 September 2011 in New York. In the context of an earlier IBSA Ministerial Statement, Brazil and South Africa are committed to working closely in the UN Security Council.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION Pretoria
OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

22 JULY 2011