communiqué from the Ministerial Troika meeting in Kleinmond, South Africa
16 January 2009
Within the framework of the South Africa-European Union Strategic
Partnership, the eighth Ministerial Troika was held in Kleinmond, South Africa,
on 16 January 2009. The meeting was co-chaired by H E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, and H E Mr Karel
Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and President
of the Council of the European Union.
The South African delegation also included Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk,
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa, Minister of
Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, and
Mr Nhlanhla Nene, Deputy Minister of Finance.
The EU Troika delegation included Mr Louis Michel, Commissioner for
Development and Humanitarian Aid of the European Commission and Mr Joakim
Stymne, State Secretary for International Development Co-operation of
Sweden.
Bilateral relations
Implementation of the Joint Action Plan of the SA-EU Strategic
Partnership
Ministers reaffirmed their common commitment to promoting peace, security
and stability in the world, and in Africa in particular. Ministers welcomed
that the first SA-EU Summit, which took place on the 25 July 2008, in Bordeaux,
provided a landmark in EU-South Africa relations and elevated the Strategic
Partnership to the highest political level.
Further, they noted the outcomes of the meeting of the Joint Co-operation
Council of 3 and 4 November 2008. In this context, Ministers took stock of the
broad range of areas of co-operation between South Africa and the European
Union.
Ministers noted the ongoing co-operation on energy matters, particularly in
the area of clean coal technology and carbon capture and storage. Ministers
welcomed the Terms of Reference defining the scope and objectives of the SA-EU
Energy Dialogue Forum as agreed in December 2008. The first meeting of the
Energy Dialogue Forum should take place during the Czech Presidency of the
Council of the EU.
Ministers recalled the Bordeaux Summit statement for Parties to initiate
bilateral SA-EU negotiations to adapt existing air services agreements between
South Africa and the EU Member States in order to bring them into conformity
with community law on the single aviation market in the EU, and that
discussions on cooperation on broader transport issues will continue in
parallel to these discussions. In this regard, Ministers noted the impact
assessment being carried out by South Africa.
Ministers encouraged further technical contacts between the competent
departments and endorsed the Terms of Reference defining the scope and
objectives of the SA-EU Maritime Transport Dialogue.
Ministers welcomed the structured bilateral dialogues that have been
established. In this context they endorsed agreed Terms of Reference for
bilateral dialogue and cooperation on energy, space, migration, health and
maritime transport. In this regard, Ministers issued a Declaration on Deepening
Policy Dialogues and Co-operation in the Context of the SA-EU Strategic
Partnership.
Furthermore, Ministers welcomed ongoing work to establish structured
dialogues in social issues, information and communication technology and
education and training. Ministers further recalled the desire to deepen
co-operation in other areas agreed upon with a view to fully implementing the
Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) and the Joint Action Plan
of the SA-EU Strategic Partnership.
It was further agreed to hold a first meeting between South Africa and the
EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) in a troika format during the Czech
Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Second SA-EU summit
The parties agreed to hold the second summit in South Africa during the
second half of 2009 under the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Regional and global issues: EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
Ministers reiterated the objective that the SADC-EU EPA negotiations support
regional integration and development in Southern Africa. They also agreed that
South Africa and the EU should intensify their cooperation and address issues
to ensure a conclusion to the EPA that is acceptable to the parties. In this
regard, they agreed that both sides should consider the implications of the EPA
on current processes of regional integration in SADC. They agreed that both
sides should seek to find mutually acceptable solutions to the concerns raised
in the negotiations. South Africa and the EU remain committed to reach an
outcome that consolidates Southern Africa Customs Union's (SACU's) common
external tariff, which constitutes the essential underpinning for the proper
functioning of the customs union.
Global financial crisis
Ministers expressed their concern at the global financial crisis and
affirmed that all efforts should be made to reduce the negative impact of the
crisis on the developing world, and especially Africa.
Ministers discussed the current financial crisis and its impact on the
global economy in general, and on the economies of Africa and the EU in
particular. They noted with concern that the negative impacts of the crisis are
likely to worsen the macroeconomic fundamentals of African economies;
exacerbate the impact of the recent food price crisis, and reverse the
attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Ministers agreed that international financial stability requires a more
efficient, coherent and adequately regulated international financial system.
Ministers welcomed the outcome Declaration document of the G20 Summit in
Washington which calls for a comprehensive reform of the Bretton Woods
Institutions and reaffirms the development assistance commitments made and the
importance of achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Ministers called for a better African representation in international
efforts and fora to ensure that the interests and needs of African countries
are duly taken into account.
Ministers therefore welcomed globally co-ordinated efforts to review the
international financial and monetary architecture and global economic
governance. In this respect Ministers stressed the importance of jointly
addressing these issues in the context of the next G-20 meeting in April
2009.
Environment and climate change
Ministers re-emphasised the issue of global climate change and the need to
address the issue as a matter of urgency. It was again highlighted that Africa
is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change and that it was
essential to redouble efforts to mitigate the consequences on the developing
world in general and Africa in particular. In this regard it was acknowledged
that the impact of climate change would have serious implications for meeting
the Millennium Development Goals and for food and water security for the people
on the African continent.
Ministers noted the Joint Africa-EU Declaration on Climate Change and
stressed the importance of harmonising and aligning this initiative with
already existing climate change processes within the African Ministerial
Conference on Environment (AMCEN). Furthermore, they noted that the EU-Africa
Ministers of Environment meeting is scheduled to take place in February 2009 on
the margins of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing
Council meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.
Implementation of the joint Africa-EU strategy
Ministers welcomed progress made in the implementation of the joint
Africa-EU strategy and its first Action Plan (2008-2010) and in particular,
commended the Joint Experts Groups for the work done so far. The EU welcomed
South Africa's active involvement in the implementation of the First Action
Plan of the Joint Strategy. Ministers called on all parties to expedite efforts
with a view to attaining tangible results within the timeframe of the first
Action Plan, particularly the elaboration of roadmaps with concrete timetables
for the second meetings of the Joint Expert Groups. Ministers also stressed the
need for adequate financial resources to effectively implement the First Action
Plan and in this regard called on both parties to intensify efforts to identify
financial requirements, sources of funding and procedures for accessing these
financial instruments. They moreover underlined the necessity to involve
Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Non State Actors, Parliaments and the
Private Sector in the implementation of the partnership.
Food security
Ministers expressed concern at the ongoing global food crisis, and agreed on
the need to further strengthen the agricultural sectors in Africa and the
developing world in general as a long-term response to the crisis. In this
regard, Ministers welcomed the establishment of the ⬠1 billion food facility
for a response to the food crisis in developing countries.
Peace and security issues
Zimbabwe
The meeting exchanged views on the current situation in Zimbabwe. Ministers
expressed their concern at the prevailing situation and its negative impact
both on the Zimbabwean population and on the sub-region.
Ministers in particular expressed concern over the ongoing cholera epidemic,
its consequences for the affected both in Zimbabwe and in neighbouring areas.
In this regard, they would welcome increased co-operation between the
Zimbabwean authorities and the international community.
Ministers expressed grave concern at the ongoing violence and abductions and
recognised that a political solution to Zimbabweâs problems is critical to
bringing an end to this cycle.
They called on the Zimbabwean parties to act with urgency and co-operate in
good faith towards the successful conclusion of the negotiation on the basis of
the 15 September Power Sharing Agreement and avoid unilateral decisions which
contradict the spirit of the Agreement. Ministers observed that the Agreement
can extricate Zimbabwe from its current socio-economic challenges. In this
respect, they urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African
Union (AU) to persist in their efforts supporting negotiations that should
reflect the will and choice of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the 29
March 2008 elections.
Great Lakes Region
Ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) with a particular focus on the current conflict and
instability in the Eastern DRC and called for a ceasefire between the
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the Mai-Mai militia, Le
Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP) and Les Forces armées de la
République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) in order to allow humanitarian
assistance to the growing number of displaced people. They condemned the human
rights violations and crimes committed against civilians by all parties, in
particular by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The Parties supported regional,
continental and international efforts to find a lasting political solution for
peace, stability and development in the Eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region,
based on the Nairobi communiqué and Goma Peace Agreement.
Ministers expressed support for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Resolutions in efforts to secure peace in the DRC and welcomed the renewal of
MONUC's mandate for another year, as well as the clear priorities set for the
mission by Resolution 1856, including the protection of civilians.
Sudan
Ministers underlined the need for all parties to urgently engage in an
inclusive political process to find a lasting solution to the Darfur conflict
and to ensure full respect for humanitarian law and humanitarian access.
Ministers welcomed the efforts of the Joint UN-AU Chief Mediator, Djibril
Bassolé and the Qatari sponsored peace initiative. Ministers called upon the
Government of the Sudan (GoS) and the Darfur armed groups to commit without
delay to a lasting ceasefire and a ceasefire monitoring mechanism with support
of the UNAMID. They called for concrete follow-up and implementation of the
Sudanese People's Initiative commitments to further peace in Darfur. Ministers
agreed to work closely together for an early resolution of the conflict in
Darfur and the promotion of long-lasting peace and reconciliation in Sudan as a
whole. Ministers emphasised the necessity of putting an end to impunity in
Darfur.
Ministers underlined the strategic importance of the implementation of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) for the peace and security of the whole of
Sudan and the region. They took note of the progress made in the implementation
of the CPA, particularly the appointment of members of the National Electoral
Commission. They further expressed their support for the establishment of the
Abyei administration in line with the Road Map for the return of Internally
Displaced People's and the implementation of the Abyei Protocol. Ministers
stressed the responsibility of the parties to the CPA for the full
implementation of the peace agreement.
Ministers noted the existing cases before the International Criminal Court
(ICC) pertaining to Sudan and the Darfur conflict. The EU stressed the
independence of the ICC and its role to promote international justice. South
Africa and the EU would work to reduce to a minimum any negative impact there
might be, stemming from an approval by the Pre-Trial Chamber of the application
by the ICC Chief Prosecutor, on efforts being made towards peace in Darfur.
Somalia
Ministers commended the continued efforts of the UN to bring about peace in
Somalia. They stressed their support for the Djibouti Process that remains a
viable way to provide peace and security for Somalia. In this regard, they
welcomed the signing of the documents on Modalities for the Implementation of
the Cessation of Armed Confrontation and a Joint Declaration on Common
Political Aims by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Alliance
for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) on 26 October 2008. Ministers noted the
recent resignation of the President of Somalia and urged all Somalis to pursue
an all-inclusive national reconciliation process and in this regard called on
all Somali stakeholders to resolve the issues of concern according to the
Transitional Federal Charter.
Ministers also expressed support for the strengthening of the African Union
Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and called for more contributions to the mission
whose role will be crucial following the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.
Ministers denounced the prevailing piracy situation on Somali shores and
welcomed the involvement of the EU and other countries in dealing with piracy
in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions
and the successful naval missions carried out by Operation Atalanta in December
2008 along the Somali coastline. However, the issue of piracy is part of the
continuing political crisis in Somalia, which should be dealt with for the
achievement of a long-lasting sustainable resolution to the problem of
piracy.
In this regard, Ministers welcomed the establishment of the UN Contact Group
on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia on 14 January 2009 and noted that piracy is
a symptom of a wider lack of security and rule of law in Somalia and continues
to constitute a threat to regional stability. Furthermore, piracy is
symptomatic of the overall situation in Somalia, and they noted that the Group
concluded that the prevalence of illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping off
the coast of Somalia adversely affects the Somali economy and marine
environment.
The parties deplored the humanitarian situation in Somalia and called on the
parties to the Somali conflict to take all necessary measures to protect
civilians and respect international humanitarian law and human rights.
Middle East peace process
Ministers are deeply concerned over continuing violence in Gaza between
Israel and Hamas and especially the humanitarian tragedy and the suffering of
ordinary citizens. Ministers stressed the urgency of a halt to rocket attacks
by Hamas on Israel and an end to Israeli military action. They noted with grave
concern the inordinately high casualty rate of women and children in this
conflict, as well as the use of incendiary weapons in densely populated areas.
Ministers further noted with concern the recent attacks on UN buildings and
humanitarian convoy and called for a strict respect for international
humanitarian law.
Noting that a dire humanitarian crisis had existed in Gaza even before the
latest conflict, Ministers pledged to redouble their efforts to assist the
Palestinian people. Only a full and immediate ceasefire will allow the delivery
and distribution of the large quantities of humanitarian aid that Gaza
desperately needs and for the resumption of basic services.
Ministers strongly believe that a viable Gaza economy is essential for a
sustainable peace. In this respect the Parties call on Israel to fully open its
border crossings with Gaza to allow the resumption of the flow of commercial
goods and people.
Ministers welcomed the adoption of UNSC Resolution 1860 (2009) and urged all
parties to implement it fully. The meeting urged all Palestinian groups to
continue with their reconciliation talks to establish a Palestinian Government,
fully representative of the aspirations of the Palestinian people. Both parties
continued to call for the resumption of the negotiation process inaugurated at
the Annapolis meeting in 2007 so that its goals can be realised.
Iraq
Ministers recognised progress made in Iraq and urged the Government of Iraq
to intensify efforts towards national reconciliation and nation building while
they expressed the hope that the Iraqi provincial elections, scheduled for the
end of January 2009, would be conducted peacefully and in a free and fair
manner, reinforcing democracy and the rule of law.
Ministers noted the approval by the Iraqi Parliament of the Withdrawal from
Iraq Act, which governs the presence of foreign forces in Iraq after 31
December 2008. Ministers agreed to continue to focus their efforts on
supporting and promoting a central role for the UN in assisting Iraq in
accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Iran
The parties exchanged views regarding the ongoing dispute over the Iranian
nuclear programme and expressed their commitment towards a peaceful resolution
of this issue, within the context of the UNSC Resolutions and the International
Atomic Energy Agency. The parties reaffirmed the right of all states parties to
the Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in
conformity with the Treaty. Ministers agreed that questions remain over Iran's
nuclear programme and called on Iran to fully comply with its obligations, UNSC
Resolutions and the IAEA.
Balkans
Ministers recalled the importance of consolidating stability and achieving
reconciliation and noted the enhancement of the European perspective in the
Western Balkans. In this respect, Ministers recognised the role of the United
Nations, the EU and of co-operation with international partners. Ministers
welcomed the EU's willingness to step up its involvement in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. The EU briefed South Africa on the successful launch of the rule
of law mission, EULEX, as part of the efforts to strengthen institutions and
the rule of law in Kosovo. Ministers encouraged further focusing on the
protection of minorities, the fight against corruption and organised crime,
economic reform and the improvement of living conditions.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
16 January 2009
