On Tuesday, 8 July 2014, Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will meet with a high-profile Chinese delegation led by General Chang Wanquan Minister of Defence and State Councillor of the People's Republic of China and a general in the People's Liberation Army. The purpose of the meeting is to consolidate the existing strategic cooperative relations between South African and Chinese defence forces. Topping the agenda for the meeting of the two Ministers will be matters relating to, inter alia, military education, training and development; regional security and cooperation in peace and support operations.
Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and China has made commendable headway since the first formal military contact in January 1995. Subsequently, further agreements to pursue closer military cooperation, especially in the field of intelligence exchange have been endorsed by both countries.
The warm and friendly military diplomatic relations enjoyed by both South Africa and China should be viewed within the context of the signing of the Pretoria Declaration of April 2000, which provides for the establishment of a Binational Commission (BNC) between South Africa and China. The aim of this strategic partnership is to develop, safeguard and incorporate the political, economic, scientific, technological and cultural relations between the two countries.
Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is convinced that the meeting will open up even greater prospects for successful defence diplomacy. The Ministry is therefore very pleased to host the 16-strong delegation from the People's Republic of China.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
-
09h00-9h20: Welcoming Parade
Venue: Defence Headquarters, Armscor Building ,Cnr Nossob and Boeing, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
-
11h30-12h30: Media Briefing
Venue: Armscor Building, 3rd Floor, Armscor Boardroom,Cnr Nossob and Boeing, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
Media are advised to arrive early to set up.
Enquiries:
Joy Nonzukiso Peter
Cell: 082 990 0407
