2009
19 February 2009
Cape Town: Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will, on
Friday, 20 February 2009, hold bilateral discussions with her Sudanese
counterpart, Dr Deng Alor Kuol at the Groote Schuur House, Cape Town.
The bilateral talks will take place within the context of strengthening
bilateral relations between South Africa and the Sudan.
South Africa and the Sudan conduct their bilateral relations through the
Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) which convenes at both Ministerial and Senior
Officialsâ levels. The last session of the JBC between South Africa and the
Sudan took place on 7 to 9 June 2008 in Khartoum.
South Africa is involved in a Capacity and Institution Building Project for
Southern Sudan, which was launched in February 2005. Since the launch of
the Project, over 1 000 GOSS officials have received training and currently, 64
GOSS officials are receiving training in the fields of legal affairs and mines
and energy in South Africa.
Furthermore, the South African Police Services is finalising preparations
for the training of Sudanese Police. Minister Dlamini Zuma is the Chair
of the African Union Committee on the Post-conflict Reconstruction of the
Sudan.
In March 2003, Minister Dlamini Zuma led a delegation to the Sudan to, among
others, assess the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace agreement.
Following the fighting in Abyei in May 2008, which resulted in the
displacement of large numbers of civilians, South Africa in collaboration with
the Gift of Givers donated a humanitarian consignment to alleviate the
suffering of the people of Abyei.
Minister Deng Alor is expected to depart for Sudan on 21 February 2009.
Media programme
09h30: Arrival of media for photo opportunity on commencement of bilateral
discussions between Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Foreign Minister or
Sudan Dr Deng Alor Kuol
Venue: Groote Schuur House, Cape Town
(Please RSVP to ngculut@foreign.gov.za or masangod@foreign.gov.za)
(Please present press cards)
10:00: Commencement of bilateral discussions between Minister Dlamini
Zuma and Minister Deng Alor Kuol
Photo opportunity
11:30: Arrival of media for joint press conference by Minister Dlamini
Zuma and Minister Deng Alor Kuol
Venue: Groote Schuur House, Cape Town
(Please RSVP to ngculut@foreign.gov.za or masangod@foreign.gov.za)
(Please present press cards)
Contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
Thembela Ngculu
Cell: 082 387 5611
12:10: Joint press conference by Minister Dlamini Zuma and Minister
Deng Alor Kuol
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
19 February 2009
