Joint Communiqué following the 8th Forum for Political Dialogue between South Africa and France, held in Pretoria on 28 February 2019
The 8th South Africa – France Forum for Political Dialogue, co-chaired by the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms L N Sisulu and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Yves le Drian took place in Pretoria, on 28 February 2019. It was the first time that the Forum was led at ministerial level.
During the meeting, the two Ministers expressed the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of France’s commitment to:
- Regular structured bilateral meetings at ministerial level
- Defend the democratic values which they share and to promote strong multilateralism
- Increase cooperation in the United Nations Security Council, of which South Africa is a non-permanent member for the period 2019 to 2020
- Increase cooperation within the framework of the G20
- Reduce global inequality in partnership with Africa under France’s G7 Presidency
- Continue to support the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and a common vision on the environment and human rights
- Continue regular interaction and deliberation on addressing peace, security and development concerns in Africa
- Deepen the working relationship between the African Union, European Union and the United Nations to bolster peace keeping, security, governance and promoting democracy in Africa
- Increase cooperation in the Indian Ocean and continue discussions about France’s role in the Indian Ocean Rim Association
- Conclude arrangements for the 2019 Ministerial Joint Economic Commission in South Africa, to advance trade and investment relations
- Conclude the implementation of the South Africa – France Partnership Framework 2016 to 2019 and to renew the Framework during the 9th Forum for Political Dialogue in 2020.
Implement existing, as well as new agreements signed during the 8th FPD, namely the:
- Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Basic Education
- Declaration of Intent on Establishing a Co-funded Scholarship for Masters and PhD Students
- Framework Agreement between the South African National Space Agency and the Centre National d ’Etudes Spatiales in Space Cooperation
- Credit Facility Agreement between the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC) and Agence Française de Developpement (AFD)
- Financing Agreement between the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited and Agence Française de Developpement
- Memorandum of Understanding between La Réunion National Park (PNR) and South African National Parks (SANParks).
Cooperation Protocol between the Association pour le Centre de ressources et d’appui sur le risque requin à La Réunion (ACRAR) of the French Republic and the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board of the Republic of South Africa.
Continue exploring joint opportunities in the areas discussed during the 8th FPD, including:
- Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) development support to South Africa
- Basic Education Cooperation
- Higher Education and Training Cooperation
- Public service capacity development notably between the National School of Government (NSG) and École Nationale d ’Administration (ENA)
- Science, Technology, Innovation and Research Cooperation
- Trade and Investment Exchanges and regular bilateral reviews
- Energy Cooperation with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Transport Cooperation
- Health Cooperation
- Arts and Culture Cooperation
- Support to South African civil society organisations.
In conclusion the Ministers agreed to schedule the next FPD meeting in Paris, on mutually agreed dates during the course of 2020.
Enquiries: Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya, MabayaN@dirco.gov.za / 083 645 7838
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
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