President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Dakar, in the Republic of Senegal for a two day State visit, the first by a South African Head of State. The relations between South Africa and Senegal have deep historical roots.
Senegal's first President, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and the people of Senegal supported the struggle against apartheid colonialism for many years. Senegal also supported the dialogue leading towards a negotiated settlement. Former President Abdou Diouf of Senegal hosted the historic dialogue between the then-exiled African National Congress (ANC) and the apartheid intelligentsia in Dakar, Senegal in 1987.
South Africa wants to build on this shared historical foundation between the two peoples and countries to develop stronger socio-economic relations.
The visit will further cement economic ties. Currently, South African exports to Senegal mainly consist of vegetable products, mineral products, plastics and rubber, machinery and mechanical appliances, prepared foodstuff, beverages and footwear. South African imports consist of fish (frozen & chilled), wood and articles of wood, textiles articles, cultural artefacts, jewellery, and works of art.
Further cooperation is to be explored in the fields of tourism, infrastructure, food security, retail, and communication and energy investment projects. The South Africa-Senegalese business forum will meet during the state visit to discuss further cooperation.
On the cultural side, South Africa and Senegal share some commonalities in terms of historical sites. Senegal is known for Gorée Island whilst South Africa has Robben Island and the two countries are keen to establish cooperation in cultural tourism and heritage promotion.
With regards to promoting economic development in the continent, President Zuma and President Sall share two important portfolios. President Sall is the Chairperson of NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee which dovetails with the role of President Zuma as chairperson of the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative within the AU.
It is expected that the following Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) will be ready for signature during the visit:
- MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture; and
- The Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Arts and Culture.
President Zuma is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of State Security, Dr Siyabonga Cwele, Minister in the Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Collins Chabane, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
