Istanbul: His Excellency Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has today, 26 May 2010 concluded his two day official visit to the Republic of Turkey.
As part of his programme the Deputy President held bilateral meetings with the Speaker of the National Parliament, Mr Mehmet Ali Sahin and Prime Minister Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoan.
During the official bilateral talks, Deputy President Motlanthe and Prime Minister Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoan highlighted that South Africa and Turkey are both at similar stages of development with complementary national priorities that seek to address national development goals, particularly in the areas of:
* poverty and unemployment
* agriculture and rural development
* education and skills development
* tourism
* mining
* enhancing economic competitiveness and improving our business environment
* infrastructure development and modernisation
* enhancing the role of small and medium enterprise development
* growing the manufacturing base.
The two leaders reviewed progress achieved in the implementation of bilateral agreements signed during the visit of President Zuma to Turkey in 2003.
“Our presence here today is a confirmation of our commitment to these relationships and to address matters of common interest so that we can strengthen our partnership”, said Deputy President Motlanthe.
On conclusion of the official talks Deputy President Motlanthe and Prime Minister Erdoan signed a joint communiqué which commits the two countries on the bilateral front; to holding regular diplomatic consultations at ministerial level; more strengthened commercial and economic ties between the two countries given the sizes of our respective economies; also to take concrete steps to promote and facilitate investments in identified sectors with the belief that the improvement of commerce and investment is fundamental for sustainable development and the creation of employment.
On the multilateral front, the two leaders agreed to cooperate in advancing common positions in multilateral institutions. They also agreed to cooperate within their means to consider positively the candidatures put forward by each country for various positions within the United Nations. The leaders exchanged information developments in their respective regions.
In this regard, Deputy President Motlanthe took the opportunity to express South Africa’s support for Turkey’s efforts in facilitating the deal brokered by both Turkey and Brazil on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme.
Furthermore, they referred to the importance of the G20 to which the two countries are members as a platform where global economic policies are evaluated and coordinated.
On the second day of the visit the Deputy President also addressed the SA-Turkey Business Forum, attended by prominent companies from both countries. In his address Deputy President Motlanthe invited Turkish companies to invest in South Africa.
In this regard the Deputy President highlighted the fact that South Africa has achieved significant successes in ensuring macro-economic stability, via the implementation of policies directed at promoting domestic competitiveness, growth and employment. Furthermore he welcomed the establishment of the South Africa - Turkey Business Council.
Important to note was the signing of two Joint Venture Agreements between South Africa and Turkish companies focusing on:
* Establishment of a factory in South Africa to manufacture petro-chemical and industrial products.
* Exploring opportunities in the mining sector
Deputy President also delivered a lecture at University Of Ankara on the occasion of the celebration of Africa Day. In his address Deputy President Motlanthe focused on developments in the African continent since independence. He highlighted the need for more vigorous partnerships within African States, on areas on peace and stability, economic and social development and also the strengthening of structures and programmes like the African Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
In conclusion the Deputy President expressed South Africa’s appreciation for Turkey’s efforts in forging mutually beneficial partnerships with the African continent especially in the area of peacekeeping.
Deputy President departs for South Africa this evening.
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Issued by: The Presidency
26 May 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
