The Acting Minister of Arts and Culture (Minister of Human Settlements), Mr Tokyo Sexwale will sign a Programme of Cooperation with the Chinese Vice Minister of Culture, Mrs Zhao Shaohua on 2 August 2011.
Bilateral relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China reached a new high point in 2009/10. By the end of 2009, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that China had become South Africa’s largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to approximately R120 billion.During the state visit by President Jacob Zuma to the China in 2010, the two countries elevated the bilateral relations to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
South Africa participated at the fourth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Ministerial meeting in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt in 2009. The Sharm El-Sheikh Plan of Action for the period 2010 to 2012 included cultural exchanges as one of the eight areas of cooperation.
December 2007 marked ten years since the official establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two countries celebrated this milestone by staging various activities in each other’s country. The Department of Arts and Culture participated at 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
The arts and culture programme in Shanghai showcased South African cultural and creative products drawn from the performing arts, visual arts, crafts, fashion and design. The expo helped create exposure for various South African sectors as well as strengthen the country’s presence in the international arena.
The new cultural Programme of Cooperation will lead to the development of new programmes and projects between the two countries. Journalists are invited for photo opportunity and sound bite.
Details are as follows:
Date: 2 August 2011
Time: 10:00 am
Venue: Department of Arts and Culture, Kinglsey Centre, Cnr. Churchand Beatrix Sts, Arcadia, Second Floor, Room 1
Enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Tel: 012 441 3083
Cell: 0824505076
