The Deputy Minister of International Relations and International, Mr Alvin Botes, will co-chair the 17th Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) with his counterpart, HE Mr Elio RodrÃguez Perdomo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, in Pretoria on Tuesday, 28 March 2023.
The last JCM was held in Havana, Cuba, in July 2022. On that occasion, Deputy Minister Botes met with several Cuban Ministries and institutions. Science and Innovation was identified as a key area of cooperation between the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and their Cuban counterparts.
The JCM convenes annually, taking place against the backdrop of the excellent bilateral and fraternal relations of solidarity between the two countries that go far beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994.
Several agreements have been signed between South Africa and Cuba, and both countries attach great importance in addressing economic, technical and trade barriers.
It is expected that the JCM will be characterised by renewed commitments to continue with the implementation of the existing agreements in areas such as Health; Public Works and Infrastructure; Basic and Higher Education; Arts and Culture; Human Settlements; Science and Innovation; Sport; Trade and Economic Cooperation; Defence and Water and Sanitation.
Cuba chairs the Group of 77+China for 2023. For the first time in the history of the United Nations and since the founding of the G77+China in 1964, Cuba was elected as Chair of the Group of 77+China during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022.
Media are invited as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 28 March 2023
Time: 9h00
Venue: OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria
Please RSVP to Ms Patience Mtshali, Mtshalip@dirco.gov.za
Enquiries:
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
