discussions with Lithuanian counterpart
13 June 2007
Pretoria: Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe will on Friday, 15 June
2007, hold bilateral political and economic discussions with her Lithuanian
counterpart Deputy Foreign Minister Oskaras Jusys in Cape Town. Deputy Minister
Jusys will visit South Africa from Wednesday, 13 June 2007 to Wednesday, 20
June 2007.
Deputy Minister van der Merwe will host her counterpart within the context
of South Africa's commitment to consolidate bilateral political, economic and
trade relations with European countries. Issues on the agenda of discussions
between Deputy Ministers van der Merwe and Jusys on Friday, 15 June 2007, are
expected to include, among others:
* The status of bilateral political and economic relations between both
countries
* A briefing on developments in Lithuania including its membership of the
European Union (EU).
* A briefing on developments in Africa and the Southern African Development
Community (SADC).
* Other issues of mutual global interest including the comprehensive reform of
the United Nations and the Middle East Peace Process.
Lithuania has a historical link with South Africa through the Jewish
community. It is estimated that 80% of South African Jewry is of Litvak
extraction. Many prominent South Africans such as the late Sammy Marks, the
late Joe Slovo and Helen Suzman were born in Lithuania. In September 2005
President Mbeki bestowed a prestigious national award on Lithanian-born South
African scientist, Aaron Klug, for his exceptional contribution in the field of
medicine.
The success of the Lithuanian economy maintaining a stable average Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 7,8% during 2000 to 2006 is
commendable.
It is one of the highest growth rates in the EU. Economic forecasts have been
rate in Lithuania fell to 5,6% in 2006. The inflation rate was 3,8% in
2006.
While in South Africa, Deputy Minister Jusys is expected to hold discussions
with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Chairperson of the Portfolio
Committee of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sithole, Mr J de Bruyn of the South African
Chamber of Commerce and prominent businessmen from Johannesburg, Cape Town and
Pretoria.
Deputy Minister Jusys will also visit Robben Island, the Holocaust Museum,
the Jewish Museum, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 June 2007
Source: SAPA
