Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will on Friday, 9 April 2010, host the Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Guido Westerwelle at the Union Buildings, Pretoria
The vice chancellor of the Republic of Germany and his delegation are in South Africa on a working visit to participate in the sixth South Africa and Germany Binational Commission (BNC), scheduled for
9 April 2010.
The objectives of the 2010 South Africa and Germany Bi-National Commission are:
* to consolidate and strengthen existing relations between South Africa and the federal government of Germany
* to provide Germany with updates and to express confidence that South Africa is ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup
* to consolidate the South Africa and Germany position on climate change, mitigation and internationally binding agreements of major polluters
* discuss matters relating to the reform of UN structures and other multilateral structures.
South Africa and Germany are closely interlinked by multifaceted economical relations and Germany is one of South Africa’s main economic partners. More than 450 German enterprises are represented in
South Africa.
Germany also assists the country through its official development assistance in many fields and the country committed in September 2008 for the period 2008/09 a total of 88.5 million euro for development projects in South Africa.
Focus points of development cooperation with South Africa are climate protection and sustainable energy as well as governance and public administration.
Media are invited to cover the event as follows
Media programme:
08h30: Members of the media arrive at Union Buildings.
09h55: Welcoming of Vice-Chancellor Westerwelle by Deputy President Motlanthe at the West Wing entrance, Union Buildings
NB: Photo opportunity while the principals shake hands.
09h57: Photo opportunity as the deputy president and the vice chancellor exchange pleasantries before the téte-á-téte
10h30: Session of the sixth South Africa and Germany Bi-National Commission
Photo opportunity
NB: Media not in attendance during the opening remarks. The deputy president’s remarks will be distributed to attending media and electronically.
Media are invited for the closing remarks:
Closing remarks by Vice-Chancellor Westerwelle
Closing remarks by Deputy President Motlanthe
11h45 to 12h30: Joint question and answer session by the principals
Media departs for the Presidential guesthouse
13h00: Toast remarks at official lunch
Photo opportunity
Media takes leave immediately after the remarks
For comments and sound bites please contact:
Vusi Mona
Cell: 082 0472260
Media are requested to RSVP with:
Nthabiseng Rantau
Cell: 082 570 5503
Media are also requested to bring their identity documents on the actual day.
Issued by: The Presidency
7 April 2010
