Media Statement
04 September 2015
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane officially announces South Africa’s hosting of the Second Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has today, Friday, 04 September 2015, officially announced in Beijing, in the People's Republic of China, that South Africa would be hosting the Second Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg on 04-05 December 2015.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and her Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressed the media today, following a bilateral meeting between H. E. President Zuma and H. E. President Xi Jinping.
"As co- chair of FOCAC for the period 2012-2018, South Africa looks forward to hosting this historic event. This will be the second Summit since the inception of FOCAC in 2000 and the first on the Continent," said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
The Summit will be preceded by a Meeting of Senior Officials on 02 December 2015, followed by the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of FOCAC on 03 December 2015.
The FOCAC Summit will also be preceded by an Academic Think Tank Forum from 09-10 September 2015; a Business Forum where the private sector will be given exposure to network, deepen and expand cooperation on trade and investment; and an Equipment and Industry Exhibition.
It is expected all Heads of State/Government from African countries, as well as the African Union (AU), Heads of Regional Organisations and multilateral organisations will participate in the Summit.
The South African Government will be working closely with the Government of China, the African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing and Addis Ababa, and the AU Commission on the preparations leading up to the FOCAC Summit.
A new Declaration and Plan of Action (2016-2018) will be the outcomes of the Summit. South Africa is currently engaging all parties in preparing these two key outcome documents.
In conclusion, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane affirmed that: "South Africa looks forward to President Xi Jinping's participation in this historic event. The Summit will further consolidate the partnership between Africa and China through South -South cooperation, giving special attention to industrialisation and the regional integration of economies in Africa."
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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