Working visit to South Africa by delegation from Republic of Kazakhstan
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman, is hosting a high-level delegation from Kazakhstan during a five-day working visit to South Africa, from 06 – 12 November 2011.
On 08 November 2011, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in conjunction with the Joint Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA), as well as the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organised a conference and photo exhibition at Cape Town’s Taj Hotel to mark “20 Years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Perspectives of Cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Africa”.
The conference was attended by the following representatives from Kazakhstan: Y. Idrissov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States of America (USA); N. Kapparov, Honorary Council of South Africa in the Republic of Kazakhstan and CEO of the Lancaster Group; G. Kim, Professor of Kazakhstan’s Institute for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Z. Akishev, an independent expert from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; as well as representatives of the Joint Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and RSA.
Representatives from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, heads of large companies, scientists and prominent figures in the field of arts and culture also participated in the event.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Fransman congratulated Kazakhstan on the 20th anniversary of its independence and announced that South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), will be celebrating its centenary in 2012.
He also emphasized that international relations, diplomacy and international solidarity were all inter-linking areas that delivered South Africa’s political liberation. Today it remains a key instrument to deliver South Africa’s economic liberation. Our efforts at strengthening bilateral trade through economic diplomacy hold mutual benefit for both countries in a larger paradigm of solidarity amongst developing nations.
The visit further gives expression to our efforts at promoting the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and advances concrete ways by which to promote mutual exchange of experience in the following economic sectors:
- Agriculture
- Mining industry;
- Tourism and hotel business;
- Investments;
- Financial system;
- Pension system;
- Tourism and the organization of large sporting events, including sport-tourism.
The conference highlighted the achievements of Kazakhstan and progress made in various fields during the past 20 years. Perspectives on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of politics, trade, investment, culture and humanitarian assistance were also underscored.
The conference provided an opportunity for the two delegations to establish contacts and exchange information on various areas pertaining to bilateral cooperation. It is expected that similar conferences and exhibitions will be hosted in Sandton and Pretoria this week.
Whilst South Africa continues to consolidate its relations with its traditional partners in the developed world, this visit highlighted the importance of building new bridges with the developing world that reaffirms our global agenda of human solidarity, peace, stability and security.
For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria
08 November 2011
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