Communiqué: The 5th Round of Kazakhstan – South Africa Political Consultations, Astana, Kazakhstan, November 11, 2016
The 5th round of the Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa (hereinafter referred as the Parties) was held on November 11, 2016 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s delegation was headed by Mr. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and South Africa’s delegation was led by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms. Nomaindiya Mfeketo.
During consultations the Parties recognized the high level of cooperation in bilateral and multilateral relations. Both sides exchanged views and positions on recent developments in the regional and the international arena.
The Parties agreed to maintain the political dialogue, through the exchange of official visits including high-level visits, as well as facilitating engagements and cooperation on all levels including civil society and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and South Africa. It was however noted that there is still considerable potential to increase bilateral trade and further enhance the economic relationship.
The Parties noted the December 2015 opening of a factory by Kazakhstan Engineering (Kazakhstan) and Paramount Group (South Africa) and hailed it as a significant step towards strengthening economic relations.
Both parties agreed to work towards a closer cooperation in the fields of mining, energy and agriculture. It was furthermore agreed that these sectors will be reviewed on an annual basis to allow further expansion in terms of economic cooperation.
The Parties noted the potential of both countries in exploring business opportunities in the corresponding regions; Kazakhstan as a hub for Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union and South Africa as the hub for Southern Africa and the Southern Africa Development Community.
The parties took note of important regional developments such as the One Belt One Road Initiative and agreed to further explore opportunities that developments such as these may offer in terms of enhancing trade.
The Parties discussed perspectives of cooperation in higher education, science and technology and the promotion of cultural relations and cooperation. It was agreed to explore the representatives exchange of universities and institutes of higher learning from both countries and that both parties will promote scholarship programmes.
Deputy Minister Mfeketo made use of the opportunity to convey her congratulatory remarks to Deputy Minister Kamaldinov on Kazakhstan’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2017-2018 period. The Parties agreed to seek ways to improve coordination of their respective positions in different areas of agreement within the United Nations and other international organizations, including the African Union.
South Africa also expressed its appreciation to Kazakhstan for its principled position on the reform of the UN Security Council, especially the support of the African Position to address the historical injustice against Africa in the composition of the Security Council.
Deputy Minister Mfeketo also made use of the opportunity to wish Kazakhstan in its hosting EXPO 2017 from June to September 2017, noting that Kazakhstan has taken significant strides in promoting alternative energy sources and so doing is setting an example for the rest of the world. South Africa Also expressed its intention to participate in EXPO 2017, and to conclude the necessary processes in the near future. The Parties noted that such kind of events will contribute to exchange of high technologies and know-how between two countries.
Kazakhstan party proposed to hold official visit of Ms. Maite-Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa to Kazakhstan in June 2017 to attend the official Opening Ceremony of EXPO-2017, International Specialized Exhibition. Both Parties agreed to define acceptable dates for the visit through diplomatic channels.
On the conclusion of 5th round of the Political Consultations, the Parties agreed to implement the recommendations of the present Protocol.
The Delegations agreed to hold 6th round of Political Consultations in South Africa on a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
The Protocol is prepared both in English and Kazakh languages in Astana, the Republic of Kazakhstan, on November 11, 2016.
For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
____________________________
Mr. Akylbek Kamaldinov
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
For the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
of the Republic of South Africa
____________________________
Ms. Nomaindiya Mfeketo
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa
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