International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman arrives in Oslo for a Working Visit, 21-23 June 2011

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman has arrived in Oslo, Norway, for a working visit scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 June 2011.

This working visit takes place within the context of strengthening relations with strategic formations of the North and enhancing the bilateral relations between South Africa and Norway.

Upon his arrival, Deputy Minister Fransman met with Minister of Environment and Development Cooperation to discuss the upcoming 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) on Climate Change taking place in South Africa later this year; preparations for President Jacob Zuma’s upcoming visit to Oslo during the second half of this year; and also the positive outcomes of the Second COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit which concluded early June in South Africa.

During his visit to Oslo Deputy Minister Fransman will be expected to attend the Oslo Annual Forum which aims at facilitating cordial and mutual exchange insights and strengthening the practice of conflict mediation so as to reduce the humanitarian consequences of conflict, increase security in the region and to contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Oslo Annual Forum was established to resolve conflicts from a regional perspective. This year it will assess, among others, the following topical issues:

• The current situation in Cote d’ Ivoire and the extent to which the peace agreements have aided in consolidating peace and democratic governance;
• Situation in the Middle East and the ways in which the new realities will impact the opportunities and obstacles for negotiating peace in the region;
• The current situation in Sudan and how the International community can help to establish mechanism and processes aimed at supporting a peace process.

Deputy Minister Fransman is expected to arrive back in South Africa on 24 June 2011.

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
Private Bag x152
Pretoria
0001

21 June 2011