The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr Jacob Zuma, will host His Excellency, Dr Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin on 24 November 2011 in Cape Town on a state visit.
The visit will happen within the context of consolidating the African Agenda through the enhancement and deepening of bilateral social, economic and political relations.
This visit will also strengthen the already existing cordial relations between South Africa and Benin which dates back to the liberation struggle period.
The two Presidents will discuss and concretise cooperation in the key priority areas such as cooperation in trade and investment, transport, defence and health. It is expected that two bilateral agreements/memoranda of understanding will be signed during the visit.
With regard to bilateral trade, the volumes are still relatively small but the opportunities for expansion are huge. Benin has the potential to be an attractive investment destination for South African companies.
Top five SA Exports to Benin include traditional base metals and products thereof, Prepared foodstuffs, Chemical products, Machinery and Electrical equipment. On the other hand South Africa’s main imports from Benin are Vegetable products.
During his visit, President Boni Yayi will lay a wreath at the Gugulethu 7 Memorial near Cape Town.
The two Presidents will use the occasion to exchange views in respect of developments at regional level, both with regard to the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as discuss broad issues affecting the Continent within the context of the African Union (AU).
They will also discuss enhanced cooperation in dealing with multilateral issues such as the reform of global institutions of governance such as the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods Institutions.
Enquiries:
Mr Clayson Monyela
Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
