Argentina
8 September 2006
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe and the Argentinean Ambassador to South
Africa, Mr Carlos Sersale di Cerisano, today signed a landmark bilateral
agreement in search and rescue (SAR)operations between the two countries.
Minister Radebe said the signing of the agreement will boost commercial and
investment activities in maritime between the two countries. It has been long
realised that the international nature of shipping and civil aviation require
that action to improve safety in maritime and air operations would be more
effective if carried out at an international level.
It was against this background that the United Nations in 1948 and 1944
respectively adopted conventions establishing the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
South Africa and Argentina are both members of the IMO and the ICAO.
South Africa is eager and committed to improving public and private airlines
to facilitate international trade and development and tourism between the two
countries, said Minister Radebe. He said this would enhance people-to-people
relations and government-to-government relations. He added that the agreement
would lead to an increased flow of air and maritime traffic and would help to
augment the collaboration of trade operations.
Ambassador Sersale di Cerisano said Argentina is also looking at ways of
strengthening sporting ties ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be held in
South Africa. He said today's signing came an at opportune time when South
Africa and Argentina will participate at a search and rescue Atlas South six
exercise to be held from 27 October to 7 November 2006 in Uruguay.
At a conference in Hamburg in 1979, the IMO adopted a convention on Search
and Rescue Services. The international context of Search and Rescue strategies
in the world is framed by that Convention. The Convention seeks to develop an
international SAR plan, so that, no matter where an accident occurs, the rescue
of persons in distress at sea will be co-ordinated by a SAR organisation and
where necessary by co-operation between neighbouring SAR organisations.
The agreement paves the way for both countries SAR authorities and agencies
to develop and implement common search and rescue procedures, and to share
expertise through liaison visits and training facilities where feasible.
Media contacts:
Sam Monareng
Tel: (012) 309 3970
Cell: 083 326 1521
Trevor Gozhi
Tel: (012) 309 3071
Cell: 082 883 7011
Issued by: Department of Transport
8 September 2006
Source: SAPA
