Remarks following Bilateral Discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley, Santiago, Chile, 25 March 2008

MINISTER DLAMINI ZUMA

“First of all I am very happy to be here in Chile and we have had a fruitful discussion about how to increase cooperation between South Africa and Chile, both in terms of political consultation, economic cooperation and investment in both sides.

“We are looking at trade and we also have an ongoing cooperation programme.

“South Africa has been looking at Chile’s programme of poverty eradication and we have learned quite a lot from that, and are still continuing to cooperate and see what we can learn from the Chilean experience.

“I am also looking forward to the visit of my counterpart, Minister Foxley to South Africa.  Simultaneously, President Thabo Mbeki would also love receive President Michelle Bachelet on a visit to South Africa.  In October we are expecting a visit from Chile’s Navy Training Vessel, the “Esmeralda”, as a reciprocal visit of our own Training Vessel which came to Chile”, concluded Minister Dlamini-Zuma.

MINISTER ALEJANDRO FOXLEY

“What we are developing with South Africa is interesting, because these are two countries that share many common interests not only in the political field, but also because they are two countries that are globalizing their economies, and share many similarities regarding the type of products they export.

“In fact, one of the topics discussed today is that we would like to learn more about South Africa’s successful experience in projecting its Country Image.

“Chile and South Africa are competitors regarding some products, for example wine and farming products, but in the future we would hopefully like to establish some joint ventures, and especially learn from them how to project a Country Image, which not only projects commercial aspects but also cultural ones.

“And we have agreed with the Minister to hold a seminar in Santiago, attended by officials of the Foreign Ministries of Chile and South Africa in charge of the respective Country Image projects.

“And in the area of social policies, last year we held two seminars in South Africa, which were offered by Chilean experts who have implemented poverty reduction policies in Chile.  This year we will hold two new seminars in Africa. 

“Another aspect we also discussed with the Minister is to offer a technical assistance programme  in South Africa, through MIDEPLAN (Chile’s Ministry of Planning), as well as the National Institute of Statistics and other organizations, to transmit our experiences –the successes and failures- as well as lessons we have learnt in the area of poverty reduction. 

“Summarizing, the areas of collaboration will be economic and social, Country Image, as well as social policies”, concluded Minister Foxley.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
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25 March 2008.