Press Release
26 April 2013
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to host German Foreign Minister Dr Guido Westerwelle
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will on 29 April 2013, host the German Foreign Minister, Dr Guido Westerwelle, for a discussion on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest between the two countries.
Minister Westerwelle will be in South Africa on a working visit and will utilise the opportunity to further strengthen the excellent relations that exist between Germany and South Africa.
Relations between Germany and South Africa are conducted through the Bi-National Commission, which is the structured mechanism that meets biennially at the level of Deputy President/Vice Chancellor and is the major governmental instrument in coordinating bilateral cooperation.
Germany is also one of the most important partners in supporting South Africa’s national development priorities. In 2012, Germany allocated an amount of 35.5 million euro towards South Africa for the period 2012-2013 covering energy and climate change, governance and administration, and HIV prevention. Furthermore, an amount of 251.74 million euro was allocated for financial co-operation.
Germany is an important trade and investment partner in South Africa, with direct investment volumes estimated at over R37.66 billion over the period 2003-2012, the main sectors being the automotive industry, chemical industry, and mechanical and electrical engineering. Over 71 German companies invested in South Africa in this period and created more than 18,000 jobs.
Furthermore, South African exports to Germany in 2012 amounted to R 37.9 billion and imports from Germany have increased from R77.6 billion in 2011 to R 83.9 billion in 2012.
Germany is South Africa’s second largest source of tourists from Europe and the third largest globally. In 2012, tourism flows from Germany increased substantially by over 12% (31 000).
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
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