Media Remarks by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane at the conclusion of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) with the Republic of Ghana, Pretoria, 5 November 2013
Your Excellency, My Dear Sister, Minister Hannah Tetteh,
Senior Officials,
Members of the Media,
Good day,
We have just concluded our bilateral discussions which have been characterised by the usual friendliness and comradeship.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation between South Africa and Ghana was established in 2007 and this was our 3rd Session. The main objective of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation is to promote political, economic and social cooperation between our two countries.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During our discussions, we reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation between our two countries. In this regard, we have noted with satisfaction the substantial progress that has been made in the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. In August 2011, we signed seven Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of sectors including trade and industry, science and technology, defence, tourism, information and communication technologies, etc.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our Presidents directed us to convene the 3rd Session of the PJCC to develop Action Plans for the Implementation of these instruments. The respective Departments/Ministries have agreed on a number of projects with specific time-frames. We are convinced that these Action Plans will produce tangible results that will benefit our people.
To monitor the implementation of the Action Plans, we have decided that the officials will meet once a year at each other’s capital alternatively and make necessary follow-up and interventions. It is imperative that all relevant Departments/ Ministries continue to meet at regular intervals to work on the implementation of Agreements/MoUs for the mutual benefit of our countries.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Minister Tetteh and I are very pleased with the very noticeable increasing economic cooperation between our two countries. We have noted with interest that the trade flows between our two countries is growing significantly. In 2012, South African imports from Ghana amounted to R1, 9 billion while exports amounted to R4, 456 billion. We have agreed on the need to further increase and expand our economic cooperation by addressing the challenges of market access for the benefit of both our private sectors and countries.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In conclusion, during our discussions we also exchanged views on the latest security developments in the region, the continent and the world.
Honourable Minister, let me invite you to make your remarks.
I thank you
For enquiries please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, at 082 884 5974.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
www.dirco.gov.za
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