Joint Commission of Co-operation
24 August 2006
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will co-chair,
together with her Rwandan counterpart Foreign Minister Dr Charles Murigande the
fourth session of the South Africa - Rwanda Joint Commission of Co-operation
(JCC) in Kigali, Rwanda from 29-30 August 2006.
Minister Dlamini Zumaâs participation in this session of the JCC comes
within the context of South Africaâs commitment to consolidate the African
agenda through, among others, the strengthening of bilateral relations with
African countries and promoting post-conflict reconstruction and development
initiatives.
In this regard, issues on the agenda for discussions between Foreign
Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Dr Charles Murigande are expected to
include among others:
* the status of political and economic bilateral relations
* review of progress in the work of the JCC since its establishment in
2001
* developments in the East Africa and Southern African Development Community
(SADC) regions
* peace building and conflict resolution in Africa with regard to the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Côte dâIvoire
* lessons from Rwandaâs accession to the African Peer Review Mechanism since
South Africa is currently under review
* the implementation of New Partnership for Africaâs Development (NEPAD)
* other issues of mutual interest.
The JCC consists of the following Working Groups from National Departments:
Foreign Affairs, South African Management Development Institute (SAMDI), Water
Affairs and Forestry, South African Revenue Services, Correctional Services,
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Science and Technology, Defence, Health,
Transport, Safety and Security, South African Reserve Bank, Home Affairs, Trade
and Industry, Public Service and Administration, Education, Agriculture, Land
Affairs, Minerals and Energy, Public Enterprises, Sports and Recreation and the
City of Tshwane.
Since the inauguration of the JCC in Pretoria on 22 June 2001, significant
progress has been recorded by the various Working Groups to develop and
implement post-reconstruction programmes in Rwanda to build capacity in
critical areas. Substantial progress was made in developing and finalising
Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in key priority areas for signature before and
during the Second Plenary Session of the JCC held in Rwanda, Kigali in December
2002.
The establishment of a strategic partnership between South Africa and Rwanda
in promoting the objectives of the African Union (AU) and the African
Development Agenda within the framework of the JCC and NEPAD is underscored by
a high-level engagement between South Africa and Rwandan public and private
sector stakeholders.
Minister Dlamini Zuma will depart from Rwanda for Côte dâIvoire on Friday, 1
September 2006 to attend the 10th session of the International Working Group on
Côte dâIvoire.
Economic Bilateral Relations:
* Rwanda Trade Relations with South Africa
* South African imports from Rwanda: R6,425 000 million (2005)
* South African exports to Rwanda: R70,156 million (2005)
* Source: Department of Trade and Industry (2006)
A Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Co-operation is expected to be
signed by Rwanda and South Africa at the JCC. The South African Minister of
Trade and Industry, Minister Mandisi Mphahlwa is expected to sign this MoU on
behalf of South Africa. A MoU in the field of Sports and Recreation is also
expected to be signed. The South African Minister of Home Affairs, Minister
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will also be part of the South African delegation
travelling to Rwanda for the fourth session of the South Africa/Rwanda JCC.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
24 August 2006
