Africa by his Excellency Francois Bozize, President of the Central African
Republic
29 April 2006
At the invitation of His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic
of South Africa, His Excellency Francois Bozize, President of the Central
African Republic (CAR), paid a working visit to the Republic of South Africa
from 27 to 29 April 2006.
President Bozize was accompanied by Minister Sylvain Ndoutingai, the
Minister of Energy, Mines and Hydrography, and Minister Sylvain Maliko,
Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Co-operation of the Central
African Republic.
President Bozizeâs visit is the first by a President of the Central African
Republic to South Africa and takes place within the context of the two
countriesâ commitment to consolidate political and economic relations. In this
regard a Co-operation Agreement was signed setting the framework for future
co-operation in the following areas: defence and security, transport, energy,
mines, capacity building in the public service, urban and rural development,
health, education, housing, trade and the environment.
The two Presidents utilised the occasion to also exchange views on a broad
range of regional and security issues concerning the African Continent, as well
as international issues of common interest. During his visit, President Bozize
held meetings with a wide spectrum of South African business people and
organisations that have interests in the Central African Republic. President
Bozize, who is also the Minister of Defence of the CAR, received in audience,
Minister MGP Lekota. They discussed issues around defence co-operation between
the two countries. In this regard, Minister Lekota will soon be undertaking a
working visit to the CAR.
Before his departure from South Africa, President Bozize paid a courtesy
call on former President Nelson Mandela. Minister Sylvain Ndoutingai, the
Minister of Energy, Mines and Hydrography, met with a number of South African
companies involved in the mining and exploration sector. Minister Sylvain
Maliko, the Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Co-operation
held separate bilateral discussions with the Minister of the Public Service and
Administration, Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, that focused on issues relating
to capacity building in the public service in the CAR.
On behalf of his delegation President Francois Bozize, thanked President
Thabo Mbeki for the warm welcome reserved for them during their visit. He
addressed an invitation to President Mbeki to pay a working visit to the
Central African Republic. This invitation was accepted in principle and the
date will be agreed upon via the Diplomatic Channel.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
29 April 2006
