Economic cooperation will become more prominent in the relationship between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the next ten years, said President Jacob Zuma on his return from a successful Working Visit to The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Zuma co-chaired a Bi-National Commission (BNC) with his counterpart President Joseph Kabila Kabange of The DRC.
During the Summit of the BNC, the two Heads of State reviewed progress made on bilateral programmes during the first decade of the Bi-National Commission. These include cooperation projects in the following fields: Politics and Governance; Defence and Security; Economy, Finance and Infrastructure; and Social and Humanitarian Affairs.
President Zuma said the milestones that were achieved during the first decade of structured bilateral relations with the DRC, especially in peace, security and institutional capacity building projects, as well as identified economic projects.
The President further stated the second decade of the BNC should be characterised by strategic cooperation and partnership and enhanced interaction between South Africa and the DRC.
"We have decided that the next decade of our BNC should intensify the implementation of joint economic projects, in particular the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, whose founding Treaty was signed on 30 October 2013.We have urged the responsible Ministries/Departments to finalise all outstanding issues in order to pave the way for the construction of this Pan-African flagship project," said President Zuma.
President Zuma also stated that: "In the next ten years, economic relations in the areas of trade, industrialisation and infrastructure development will be more prominent than they are now."
In this regard, the two Heads of State witnessed the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement by the Ministers responsible for Transport. This Agreement will enable the two countries to facilitate movement of people and expand aviation cooperation.
President Zuma highlighted the fact that more needs to be done to improve economic relations and enhanced cooperation among the South African and Congolese business sectors, including in the mining sector, by increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
The President added that during the second decade, South Africa will continue to cooperate in the areas of peace and security in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
"South Africa commits to continue to accompany and partner with the Government and people of the DRC in pursuit of peace, security, stability and economic development and prosperity," said President Zuma.
President Zuma was accompanied by Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Ms N Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; Dr R Davies, Minister of Trade; Ms T Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Energy; Dr A Motsoaledi, Minister of Health; Ms D Peters, Minister of Transport; Mr N Nhleko, Minister of Police; Adv N Ramahlodi, Minister of Public Service and Administration; and Mr O Bapela, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
The next BNC will be held in South Africa, in 2016.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola for the Presidency
Cell: 082 339 1993
Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
