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Media Statement
06 November 2012
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to host her Ugandan counterpart
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, will co-chair the inaugural session of the South Africa-Ugandan Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with her Ugandan counterpart, Honourable Sam Kutesa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, on Friday, 09 November 2012, in Pretoria.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will host her counterpart within the context of strengthening and consolidating the cordial relations that exist between the two countries. Relations between South Africa and Uganda date back to the time of the struggle against Apartheid when Uganda provided support to and solidarity with the South African liberation movement.
Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Uganda spans a wide range of areas, including, but not limited to, trade and investment; defence and security; agriculture; water and environmental affairs; social development; public works; and science and technology. New areas of collaboration to be considered during the JCC include transport, tourism, human settlements, health and higher education.
Accordingly the two Ministers are expected to witness the signing of:
- An Agreement on Water and Environmental resources;
- A Memorandum of Understanding on Transport Cooperation; and
- A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Defence
Trade between the two countries shows steady growth. South Africa regards Uganda as a country with good economic potential and an important destination for South African investment. In view of the country’s solid economic performance, Uganda can be regarded as an important trading partner in East Africa. In 2011, South African exports to Uganda amounted toR1, 26 billion and imports from Uganda to R50, 98 million.
South African companies have a large presence in Uganda and are involved in various sectors such as construction; retail; hospitality; banking; insurance; information technology; communications; and energy.
For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on +27 82 884 5974
Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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