Outcome of fourth session of Joint Consultative Mechanism between SA and
Cuba

29 January 2006

The IV Session of the Joint Consultative Mechanism between the Republic of
Cuba and the Republic of South Africa was held at the Western Cape Hotel and
Spa on 28 and 29 January 2006.

The Cuban delegation was led by His Excellency Mr Felipe Perez Roque
(Minister of Foreign Affairs), while the South African delegation was led by
Her Excellency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The two parties reviewed regional issues, such as the African Union and the
New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), conflict resolution in
Africa, as well as perspective on development in Latin America and the
Caribbean.

At the opening ceremony on 28 January 2006, the heads of both delegations
highlighted the strong bond of friendship and solidarity that unite the
governments and peoples from the two countries. They both expressed the need to
strengthen the ties of collaboration by both countries.

Furthermore, multilateral issues, such as United Nations (UN) Reform and UN
Resolution with regard to Cuba, were discussed in depth and, through
consultation and co-ordination, ways and means were discussed on how the two
parties could strengthen the practical implementation of these and other
important multilateral matters. This co-operation will be supported by Cuba’s
upcoming Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and South Africa’s Chair of
the G77 and China.

South Africa expressed its support and solidarity to Cuba’s struggle against
the United States of America blockade. Both parties agreed on the unfair and
selective nature of the resolution against Cuba, presented in the Human Rights
Commission.

The parties also expressed their mutual support and commitment for a
comprehensive UN reform programme, taking due cognisance of the needs of
developing countries in this regard.

Both parties expressed their satisfaction at the friendly, warm and frank
atmosphere in which talks were conducted, which reflects the excellent bonds of
friendship between the two states and peoples.

Contact: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
29 January 2006