International Relations and Co-operation Minister will today, 11 June 2009 hold a meeting with the Danish Minister of Development Co-operation, Ms Ulla Toernaes, on the margins of the World Economic Forum on Africa currently under way in Cape Town.
The meeting between the two Ministers takes place within the context of strengthening bilateral relations between South African and Denmark. Accordingly issues for discussion will, among others, include:
* Bilateral co-operation between the two countries
* Domestic political situation in South Africa
* South Africa’s candidature for the position of the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
* Situation in Zimbabwe
* Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the United Nation UN Climate Change Convention and climate change. Denmark will be hosting the COP15 in Copenhagen in December 2009, and
* Role of the Africa Commission placed in the Office of the Prime Minister of Denmark.
South Africa and Denmark signed a Declaration on Bilateral Relations during the visit to South Africa by the Danish Foreign Minister in late January 2009, and is aimed at regulating bilateral consultations between the two countries.
Denmark was a very strong supporter of the anti-apartheid struggle and a major force in sanctions and disinvestment. Queen Margrethe II paid a state visit to South Africa in 1996 and President Mandela to Denmark in 1999. In addition Denmark has always had a very active development co-operation programme with South Africa from the 1960s which was transformed into official assistance from 1995. In the current programme 2009 to 2013 over DKK four billion (ZAR seven billion) is being disbursed in projects ranging from water, energy, education, governance, South African Police Service (SAPS), support to business and HIV/Aids. Denmark remains a strong supporter of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and African development.
Issued by: Department of International Relations and Co-operation
11 June 2009
