Minister Carolina Barco
18 June 2006
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will host her
Colombian counterpart Foreign Minister Carolina Barco for bilateral political
and economic discussions at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Monday,
19 June 2006.
The visit to South Africa by Foreign Minister Barco comes within the context
of the need to consolidate and strengthen bilateral political and economic
relations between South African and Colombia.
In this regard, issues on the agenda of discussions between Minister Dlamini
Zuma and Barco are expected to include, among others:
* The status of bilateral political and economic discussions between both
countries,
* The exchange of business delegations between both countries with a view to
investigating business opportunities and increasing foreign direct
investment,
* A briefing on conflict resolution and peacekeeping in Africa,
* A briefing by Minister Barco regarding developments in the region.
While in South Africa Minister Barco will also hold discussions with
representatives from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, the
Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations, address the South African
Institute of International Affairs and UNISA, and meet with Latin American
Ambassadors resident in South Africa.
Minister Barco will depart South Africa on Monday, 3 July 2006.
Bilateral Economic Relations
In terms of bilateral trade, South Africa and Colombia have traditionally
registered a constant flow of economic activity, with South Africa maintaining
a favourable positive balance.
In July 2005, SABMiller purchased Grupo Empresarial Bavaria, the Colombian
brewer, in a deal worth US$8 billion, thus joining Anglo American as South
African companies active in Colombia. Anglo Coal operates an open pit coal mine
in the region of La Guarija. AngloGold Ashanti announced on 4 June 2006 that it
has formed a joint venture company with the Toronto-listed Bema Gold Company,
to explore for gold in Colombia.
South African Exports to Colombia:
2005: R250 665 000
2004: R255 427 000
2003: R323 595 000
South African Imports from Colombia:
2005: R195 372 000
2004: R209 731 000
2003: R104 392 000
Media programme for official visit to South Africa by Colombian foreign
Minister Caroline Barco
Monday, 19 June 2006
11h00
Arrival of media for photo opportunity on commencement of discussions
between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Caroline Barco
Venue: Presidential Guesthouse, Bryntirion Estate, Pretoria
Entrance on Church Street, Gate 9
(Please present press cards)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
11h30
Minister Dlamini Zuma and Caroline Barco to begin discussions
Media in attendance for photo opportunity
12h00
Arrival of media ahead of joint press conference by Ministers Dlamini Zuma
and Caroline Barco on conclusion of discussions
Venue: Presidential Guesthouse, Bryntirion Estate, Pretoria, Entrance on Church
Street, Gate 9
(Please present press cards)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
12h30
Joint press conference
Information on programme contact
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
18 June 2006
Source: SAPA
