International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, arrives in Mali

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has today, 21 June 2011, arrived in the Republic of Mali to participate in bilateral consultations and further develop diplomatic initiatives.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane’s engagements with Mali are within our foreign policy objective of strengthening and deepening political, cultural and economic relations with fellow African countries – thereby contributing to enhanced regional integration and development of our continent. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and her counterpart are scheduled to discuss issues that affect both our countries, particularly in regard to social, economic and security development, issues affecting the African continent and issues affecting the global community.

Since May 1994, South Africa and Mali have established full diplomatic relations – notably expressed in the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) that was established in December 2000. South Africa remains a committed partner with the Republic of Mali and the international community to address the underlying root causes of poverty, crime and insecurity, and to enhance the impact and effectiveness of our collective efforts in the region. In this regard, South Africa and Mali have entered into a social development agreement (October 2009), are in the process of finalising a Health Agreement, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Development. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and her counterpart are scheduled to discuss further initiatives that will improve the lives of citizens in our country and Mali.

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

21 June 2011