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Closing Address by Deputy President
Zuma at the Conclusion of the Second Binational Commission
Between Germany and South Africa
Vice Chancellor Fischer
Ambassador Ganz
Ambassador Bengu
Members of the Commission
Ladies and Gentlemen
Allow me to begin by thanking you Mr Vice Chancellor
and all the delegates to the second Binational Commission
for their hard work, enthusiasm and tenacity of the
past two days. I was encouraged by the positive spirit
that has marked the deliberations of the past two days.
Based on the reports received this morning, Mr Vice
Chancellor, you will no doubt agree with me that the
second meeting of our commission has been most constructive
and geared to achieving tangible results. The progress
achieved over the past two days is indeed encouraging.
It has laid a solid foundation for enhanced co-operation
in future between our two countries in all the vital
sectors covered by the Special Committees. In fact,
these results illustrate the mutual solidarity and partnership
in dealing with the challenges facing both countries
in entering a new, but exciting globalised world.
In listening to the reports of the various Special
Committees, I was struck by the practical, results-orientated
and people-centered nature of the work programmes and
proposed projects put on the table. The projects and
programmes are clearly directed at the achievement of
common goals inherent in the strategic partnership between
our two countries.
At the conclusion of these two days of hard work, we
can state without hesitation that we have recommitted
ourselves to a common vision and objectives that auger
well for future practical co-operation.
Based on the outcome of our deliberations, the Binational
Commission has, indeed, proved to be a highly useful
mechanism for the enhancement and management of the
relations between our two countries. I therefore believe
that the strategic partnership between our two countries
has been reinforced and that at the close of this second
meeting, we can look forward to the third round in Berlin
in 2001 on an even stronger footing.
I would also like to thank you once again Mr Vice Chancellor,
for visiting not only South Africa, but also other parts
of the African continent. We wish to thank you and your
officials for the constructive and wide-ranging discussions
on bilateral relations, vital issues related to Africa
and constructive co-operation in multilateral fora that
also took place during your visit.
In fact, we look forward to pursuing these discussions
with you and your officials, perhaps as early as this
weekend and early next week as we prepare for the important
Africa/Europe Summit in Cairo. South Africa regards
this as a vital element in determining a future constructive
relationship between Europe and Africa, based on equality
and sustainability.
Your visit has contributed significantly towards the
deepening of South Africa's friendship with Germany
and will provide further impetus for even closer co-operation
in future. South Africa values its friendship with Germany
and it is comforting to know that we have you as a friend
and partner in our quest to entrench our young democracy,
attain economic growth, development and social progress.
Mr Vice Chancellor, I concur with your assessment of
our relations as "a strategic partnership of hope".
I wish you well for the remaining part of your stay
in South Africa and we look forward to the next session
of the Binational Commission in Berlin next year.
I thank you.
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