Notes
following joint media briefing between Deputy Minister Pahad and counterpart from
Czech Republic Comments by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad
Welcome and introductory
remarks Deputy Minister from the Czech Republic has been visiting us. As
you know, this follows a very successful State Visit by President Vaclav Klaus
to South Africa in December 2006. You would know that the Czech Republic
is one of the new members of the European Union and one of the more successful
members of the EU. Our relations, politically and economically have been
growing from strength to strength. Our economic relations have now reached US$370
million in 2006 which is quite impressive seeing that we have not had any relations
until 1994 and the potential for growth is excellent in every field. The
Czech Republic historically, as Czechoslovakia and now the Czech Republic, been
very involved in African issues. Deputy Minister Bambasova is also the Deputy
Minister dealing with all countries with the exception of those in Europe and
therefore is responsible for all developmental projects of the Czech Republic
in Africa and elsewhere. This is quite substantial given the size of the economy,
etc. Czech Republic is involved in Angola, Namibia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic
of Congo, Ghana, in addition to others. South Africa is the largest economic partner
of the Czech Republic in Africa. We have had extensive discussions about
our bilateral relations which we think has the potential for substantial growth
in the fields of agriculture, science and technology, health, tourism, in addition
to others. We have also discussed developments in Africa including conflict
resolution. The Czech Republic is involved in the DRC with the MONUC forces and
indeed in the situation in the Middle East, Eastern and Central Europe. This
has been an excellent opportunity to get an understanding of the Czech Republic
about the situation in their region and to share our understanding of the SADC
region. The Deputy Minister has visited Mozambique and Zambia in addition to South
Africa. So we discussed SADC, the need for increased co-operation to fastrack
SADC's integration and development programmes and how to co-operate more to ensure
the successful implementation of NEPAD. Welcome Minister and it has been
an excellent opportunity to renew our discussions at a Foreign Affairs level and
we hope your visit will open up other opportunities for political and economic
links between our two countries. Comments by Deputy Minister Bambasova
Thank
you very much Mr Minister. I would subscribe to all you have said and do
not have much more to add. We are very pleased that relations between our
two countries are flourishing and as Deputy Minister has said, the economic co-operation
is growing - the numbers concerning mutual trade has multiplied over the past
decade of our co-operation and the visit of our President last December brought
a new momentum to our bilateral relations. I was glad to be able to come and see
how to sustain this momentum. As far as the bilateral relations between
our two countries go, I feel they are going very well. I was also extremely
pleased to have the opportunity to discuss and share our views on the continent
of Africa as well as other issues of interest to the international community. The
Czech Republic respects South Africa as a dominating power politically and economically
in Africa and such a position creates a responsibility. We look at South Africa
as a country that is, together with others, sharing the responsibility for Africa's
peaceful and prosperous development. Discussing all these topics and talking
about what can be done at the international level is very important for the Czech
Republic as a country and as a member of the European Union. Lastly, but
not least, for the Czech Republic as a candidate for the non-permanent seat in
the United Nations Security Council 2008-2009. As you know, South Africa is a
member of the Security Council 2007-2008 and if we succeed with our candidacy
during this autumn, we will be colleagues in the Security Council in 2008 and
it has been valuable to discuss our mutual agenda. Questions and answers
Question
Deputy Minister Pahad, I wonder if you have had an opportunity to discuss the
reform of the UN Security Council?
Answer This is a matter that is still on
our agenda. As the Minister has said, bilaterally and as members of the European
Union, the Czech Republic is very involved in this matter, in addition to their
candidacy for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council. We have not yet
discussed it but it is on our agenda. Question Deputy Minister, do
you have any comments on the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Palestine and
Palestinian territories by Israel?
Answer The Minister also deals with this
matter. Considering today marks the 40th anniversary of the 6 day war and also
with regard to the serious developments in the region, this is high on our agenda
for discussions. The Minister is deeply involved with this matter as part
of the EU and seeing that the EU is part of the Quartet. We will exchange
ideas on this, in addition to the Lebanese situation that is also tracing a very
dangerous path. Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag
X152
Pretoria
0001 5 June 2007 | 
