discussions
19 February 2007
Cape Town: Delegations of the Republic of South Africa and the Swiss
Confederation met on Tuesday, 19 February 2007, in Cape Town, South Africa. The
Delegation of the Republic of South Africa was headed by Deputy Minister A
Pahad, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation of the Swiss Confederation was headed by Dr Michael Ambühl,
Switzerland's Secretary of State. The discussions were held in a friendly and
co-operative atmosphere. The following issues were discussed: Bilateral
relations, international issues of mutual concern, developments in the African
Union and New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), Peace Promotion and
Development Co-operation Projects.
The two delegations agreed that the relations between the two countries are
sound and cordial. Both parties recognised the need to deepen their relations
and agreed that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2007
between the two governments would be necessary to ensure their continued
co-operation at all levels.
Switzerland is very supportive of Africa and its development agenda. South
Africa welcomes the Swiss Development Agency's "Special Programme" which has
been successful in its projects. Both South Africa and Switzerland believe that
there is a room for improvement and co-operation on new projects. The two
delegations agreed to continue collaboration on development co-operation.
Both parties agreed to discuss a way forward to address the challenges faced
in the African Region. The two delegations agreed to co-operate in promoting
peace in the Great Lakes Region and Sudan.
Both parties agreed that on the basis of experiences of South Africa and
Switzerland in the field of human rights, more issues such as transitional
justice, woman and child abuse, land and property rights, disarmament, small
arms proliferation and business management will be discussed.
Switzerland and South Africa have maintained a good working relationship
within the United Nations (UN) and its institutions and both believe in the
reform of the United Nations and particularly the Security Council. The two
delegations also agreed to deliberate more intensively on matters of common
interest in the Human Rights Council.
South Africa and Switzerland are concerned about the situation in the Middle
East and both share the same view that a two-state solution is necessary to
bring about peace between Israel and Palestine. The two delegations agreed to
discuss ways of co-operating to assist with the peace process in the Middle
East Region.
Switzerland invited South Africa to the 13th Meeting of the Working Group to
be held in Bern in 2008.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
19 February 2007
