President Zuma undertakes State Visit to the Kingdom of Norway

President Jacob Zuma will today, 29th August, depart for Oslo, Kingdom of Norway, for a State Visit to further strengthen relations between the two countries at the invitation of His Majesty King Harald V.

The reciprocal State Visit will take place on 31 August to 01 September 2011. King Harald V undertook a State Visit to South Africa in 2009.

South Africa and Norway have a special and unique relationship due to Norway’s strong support for the South African struggle for liberation and democracy.  Norway was an important contributor both financially and practically in the struggle against apartheid. 

The relationship at a government to government level has continued to flourish after the dawn of freedom. Currently, the relationship has progressed and covers development cooperation and trade between the two countries.  Development cooperation covers sectors such as energy, higher education, research, environment, democracy and promotion of human rights. 

South Africa and Norway also enjoy extensive economic relations.  Total trade between the two countries has been increasing steadily since 2001. Total trade increased from R746 million in 2005 to R3 180 million in 2010, an increase of 326%. South Africa’s exports to Norway increased from R352 million in 2006 to R2 327 million in 2010, increasing 561%, while imports increased from R683 million in 2006 to R853 million, an increase of 25%.

South Africa wants to see a further increase in trade volumes and also to obtain Norway’s support for COP 17 and various multilateral and African agenda issues.

Among the activities arranged for the President in Norway, in addition to interacting with his host His Majesty King Harald V, President Zuma will also meet with the Prime Minister of Norway, Mr Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Parliament, Mr Dag Terje Andersen. He will address a business seminar organised by the Department of Trade and Industry together with Innovation Norway. The President will also deliver a lecture at the Nobel Peace Institute and meet with the representatives of the former anti-apartheid organizations in Norway.

President Zuma will be accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

He will also be joined by a business delegation operating in the following sectors: Oil, Gas and Resource Management, Renewable Energy; Information and Communication Technologies; Tourism and Agro-Processing and Aqua-Culture.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Radebe, will be acting President during the period as the Deputy President will also be out of the country.

Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi on 082 330 1148 or Clayson Monyela on 082 884 5974.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
www.dirco.gov.za

29 August 2011