President Jacob G Zuma will receive President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo for a state visit to the Republic of South Africa scheduled from 8 and 9 April 2010 at the Union Buildings, Pretoria.
The visit takes place within the context of consolidating the African agenda and further maintaining the already strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. Several high level visits have also been exchanged between the two countries with a view to further collaboration in various areas. Numerous ministerial visits have taken place, including those of ministers responsible for agriculture, transport, trade and industry, defence, science and health, mainly to South Africa.
Amongst others, the following will be discussed by the two heads of state:
* Joint commission�" the JCC which has not taken place and the two countries expressed a desire to hold the commission
* Economic and trade commission (trade and investment, transport, agriculture, mines and energy, tourism and industry)
* Social, cultural and technical commission (arts and culture, health and social affairs and civil service).
During the state visit it is expected that the following agreements will be signed: transport, arts and culture, and economic cooperation also, a business forum will be held on Friday, 9 April to coincide with the visit. The forum, which will bring together business people from the two countries, will be addressed by Presidents Zuma and President Sassou-Nguesso respectively President Sassou-Nguesso is also expected to lay a wreath at Freedom Park.
Bilateral relations between South Africa and Congo were established on 22 March 1993. Cooperation between the two countries operates within the general cooperation agreement and a cooperation agreement instituting a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) which was signed on 25 November 2003. However, the JCC was never formally launched. Both countries are eager to strengthen their bilateral relations.
South Africa exports various products to Congo that includes juice, fruit and vegetables, parts and accessories of machines; propylene copolymers; front-end shovel loaders; light oils; containers; sodium triphosphate; telephones for cellular networks; mineral waters; cable and other electrical conductor.
Trade statistics: (Year)
2005: Trade balance, R232,381
2006: Trade balance, R393,766
2007: Trade balance, R460,553
2008: Trade balance, R505,346
2009: Trade balance, R504,048
The trade balance is in South Africa’s favour.
President Zuma will be accompanied by Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Ms L Xingwana, Minister of Arts and Culture; Mr R Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry; Dr A Motsoaledi, Minister of Health; Ms F Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Minister of Health; Mr S Ndebele, Minister of Transport.
Media programme
Date: Thursday, 8 April 2010
Venue: Union Buildings
07h30: Members of the media arrive at the Union Building ahead of the guard of honour and the Military band.
10h00: Welcome ceremony
* Photo Opportunity
11h20: Official proceeding
* Photo opportunity: President Zuma and President Sassou-Nguesso, President Sassou Nguesso and Spouses
12h30: Official bilateral meeting: Media in attendance:
* Opening and Welcome remarks by President J Zuma
* Remarks by President Sassou-Nguesso
* Media takes leave
13h30: Signing of agreements and press conference
* Media in attendance
14h00: Arrival of media at Freedom Park ahead of the wreath laying ceremony
14h15: Wreath laying ceremony at Freedom Park on Isivivane
* Photo opportunity
15h00: Deputy President to pay Courtesy call on President Sassou-Nguesso at Intercontinental Hotel Towers, Sandton
* Photo opportunity
18h30: Arrival of media at the Presidential Guest House ahead of the State Banquet
* Venue: Gate 10, Presidential Guest House Bryntirion Estate, Pretoria
19h20: President Zuma receives President Sassou-Nguesso
* Photo opportunity
19h30: Welcome remarks by President Zuma
* Remarks by President Sassou-Nguesso
* Media in attendance
For RSVP please contact:
Matshepo Seedat
Cell: 082 679 9473
E-mail: Matshepo@po.gov.za
For further information please contact:
Kgomotso Saul Molobi
Cell: 082 940 1647
Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
7 April 2010
