Niger
17 April 2007
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Wednesday,
18 April 2007 hold bilateral political and economic discussions with her
counterpart from Niger, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and African
Integration, Mrs Aichatou Mindaoudou at the Presidential Guesthouse in
Pretoria.
Minister Dlamini Zuma will host Minister Mindaoudou within the context of
South Africa's commitment to consolidate bilateral political, economic and
trade relations with Niger.
Issues on the agenda of discussions between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and
Mindaoudou are expected to include, among others:
* the status of bilateral political and economic relations between both
countries including co-operation projects between both countries
* political developments in West and Southern Africa including Cote d'Ivoire
and the forthcoming Nigerian elections
* other issues of global importance including the comprehensive reform of the
United Nations.
Minister Mindaoudou is expected to depart from South Africa on Thursday, 19
April 2007.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Areas of co-operation that may be explored would focus on science and
technology with the aim of assisting Niger to improve its agricultural and
mining methods. At least 90% of Niger's labour force is engaged in (mostly
subsistence) agriculture. Agriculture contributes over 50% of Niger's Gross
Domestic Product. In terms of New Partnership for Africa's Development
objectives for the promotion of development, South Africa could assist Niger
though sharing its technological and agricultural expertise in the mining and
agricultural sectors.
South African trade with Niger
South Africa's exports to Niger are headed by parts and accessories,
mechanical appliances and miscellaneous manufactured articles.
South Africa's imports from Niger are headed by textiles, plastics and
articles thereof.
South African exports to Niger in millions
2003: 64 million
2004: 34 million
2005: 36 million
2006: 54 million
South African imports from Niger in millions
2003: 3 million
2004: 402 thousand
2005: 1,7 million
2006: 2 million
Media programme for official visit to South Africa by Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Co-Operation and African Integration of Niger, Aichatou Mindaoudou
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Venue: Presidential Guesthouse Bryntirion Estate Church Street (Gate 9)
Pretoria
10h30: Arrival of media ahead of photo opportunity on commencement of
discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and counterpart from Niger Minister
Aichatou Mindaoudou
11h00: Minister Dlamini Zuma to commence discussions with Minister
Mindaoudou
Photo opportunity
11h45: Arrival of media ahead of joint press conference by Ministers Dlamini
Zuma and Mindaoudou
12h15: Joint press conference
Please RSVP and present press cards
Enquiries:
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 April 2007
