International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim will pay a working visit to the Philippines from 25 to 26 September 2012.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Ebrahim will meet with the Undersecretary of International Economic Policy, Ms Laura Q. del Rosario, of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
The focus of the visit by Deputy Minister Ebrahim will be on strengthening relations with the Philippines, specifically in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and culture.
Further discussions are expected to centre on issues of mutual interest in terms of regional and multilateral developments.
Further engagements during the visit by the Deputy Minister include meeting the Chairperson of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and undertaking a speaking engagement at the University of the Philippines, focusing on South Africa’s Foreign Policy.
The Government of South Africa established formal diplomatic relations with the Philippines in November 1993. The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria was established in June 1994. South Africa, in turn, established an Embassy in Manila in December 2004.
Relations between South Africa and the Philippines are strong both on the bilateral and multilateral levels. Both countries are influential in organisations of the South, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 and China (G77).
There is, however, considerable scope for the deepening of relations at the bilateral level, through structured interaction and high-level visits.
It is expected that a Memorandum of Agreement on the establishment of a Bilateral Consultative Forum (BCF) will be signed between the two countries shortly.
On the economic front, efforts have been undertaken by both countries to enhance bilateral trade and commercial relations.
Enquiries:
Clayson Monyela
Spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation
Cell: 082 884 5974
