Press Release
05 September 2013
Deputy Minister Fransman concludes successful visit to Peru, arrives in Ecuador
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman concluded his visit to Lima, the Republic of Peru, on 03 September 2013 where he started his 4-nation tour to Latin America.
Deputy Minister Fransman's visit to Peru was utilised to deepen political, social and economic bilateral relations and to identify new areas of cooperation, especially in the area of trade, mining, and social development.
During his visit to Peru, Deputy Minister Fransman met with the Secretary General of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alberto Salas. Both sides identified opportunities for cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral level and discussed issues of mutual interest pertaining to their respective Continents and the situation in the Middle East. Peru will be chairing the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP20) in 2014. Since Peru will host COP20, it was agreed that South Africa would assist in knowledge sharing, following South Africa’s successful hosting of COP17 in 2011.
Deputy Minister Fransman met with the Deputy Minister of Mining, Mr Guillermo Shinno. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of mining and share knowledge regarding health and occupational safety standards, training and capacity-building for mine-workers and mining communities. The Deputy Ministers also proposed that an exchange programme be initiated for young people in the field of mining engineering.
The Deputy Minister held fruitful discussions with Peru's Deputy Minister for Social Benefits, Ms Paola Bustamante. Both sides exchanged information on their countries' respective social development programmes for women, children and senior citizens. Peru has recently started a pilot project regarding cash payments to the most disadvantaged and destitute. In this regard, Peru's Deputy Minister for Social Benefits expressed an interest to understand South Africa's social security system.
Deputy Minister Fransman also met with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mr Carlos Posada Ugaz. The Deputy Ministers discussed the importance of inclusive economic growth and development. In this regard, both sides exchanged information on their countries' infrastructure development projects and regional economic integration initiatives. Trade relations between Peru and Africa were also discussed. Peru's Deputy Foreign Trade Minister indicated the possibility of opening additional trade offices on the Continent, including South Africa.
Deputy Minister Fransman concluded his bilateral meetings by visiting Peru’s Investment Agency, ProInversion. The Deputy Minister met with the Director, Mr Carlos Herrera and extended an invitation to the Agency to visit South Africa with the view to establish partnerships with South African companies.
Deputy Minister Fransman has now arrived Quito, the Republic of Ecuador, on 04 September 2013.
The Deputy Minister's visit to Ecuador will be utilised to strengthen political, social and economic bilateral relations and to discuss areas of cooperation and mutual interest. The two countries will also reaffirm mutual support in multilateral and regional forums.
While in Ecuador, Deputy Minister Fransman will hold talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Marco Albuja, the President of the National Assembly, and the Secretary of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). He will then pay a courtesy visit on Foreign Minister Patiño.
Main South African products exported to Ecuador are: base metals, products for chemical and allied industries, vehicles, aircraft, vessels and transport equipment. Imports from Ecuador include: mineral products, vehicles, aircraft, vessels and transport equipment.
Bilateral relations with Ecuador are steadily growing. While Ecuador has an Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa is represented residentially by an Ambassador in Peru, who is also responsible for Ecuador.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 082 884 5974.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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