Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and African Integration of the
Republic of Niger, to the Republic of South Africa
18 April 2007
At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma and within the framework of the strengthening of traditional, friendly and
co-operation relations existing between the Republic of South Africa and Niger,
Her Excellency Mrs Aichatou Mindaoudou, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Co-operation and African Integration of Niger, paid an official visit to South
Africa on 18 April 2007.
Minister Dlamini Zuma had bilateral political discussions with her
counterpart, Minister Mindaoudou, during which they reviewed the state of
bilateral relations, regional, African and international issues. They
reaffirmed their determination to work for a mutually rewarding relationship
under the guidance of the two Heads of State, His Excellency President Mamadou
Tandaja and His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki.
The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral political
relations, and noted the scope of co-operation in various fields, namely,
foreign affairs, trade and industry, mining and energy, agriculture, and other
areas of mutual interest.
Following the finalisation of the project proposal for the establishment of
a meat processing facility in Niamey, South Africa will dispatch a team of
experts to Niger to commence with the first phase in establishing an abattoir
in Niger. In this regard, the two Ministers agreed to the creation of a joint
steering committee for this project. The composition of the committee and the
frequency of the meetings will be determined by the technical experts. The
second project, related to the milk processing plant in Niger, will commence as
soon as the project proposals have been finalised.
In other areas such as trade, minerals and energy, as well as transport, the
two parties agreed to continue their discussions.
With a view to laying a legal framework for co-operation, they welcomed the
steps undertaken to establish a South Africa-Niger Joint Commission of
Co-operation. The ministers agreed on the text of the Agreement to establish
the South Africa-Niger Joint Commission of Co-operation and will sign this
Agreement in early May 2007 on the margins of the African Union Ministerial
Retreat conference in Durban. The Joint Commission will hold its first session
at a date which will be mutually agreed through the diplomatic channel.
Both ministers welcomed the decision of both governments to open diplomatic
missions in their respective capitals and expressed the view that this will
contribute towards the strengthening of bonds of friendship and co-operation
between South Africa and Niger.
Both foreign ministers reaffirmed their willingness to utilise the mechanism
of consultations between their respective departments for the harmonisation of
their positions on major political issues related to the regional and
international situation.
Minister Dlamini Zuma was briefed on recent developments in Cote d'Ivoire
and on the forthcoming presidential elections in Nigeria and in Mali. Both
ministers urged all Ivorian parties to remain committed to the implementation
of the peace process. The ministers further welcomed the appointment of Mr
Guillaume Soro as the new Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, and wished him well
in the execution of his duties. The ministers also expressed their confidence
in the presidential election process and wished the people of Nigeria and Mali
every success in the outcome of their votes.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work for the political unity
and integration of the African continent within the framework of the African
Union.
They underscored the indispensability of the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD) in the continent's efforts to deal with the twin challenges
of poverty and underdevelopment. They pledged to work with other sister African
countries for the realisation of the goals of NEPAD.
In reviewing the global political and economic situation, the two ministers
are convinced that the reform of the United Nation is central to efforts aimed
at finding sustainable solutions to international peace and security. In this
regard, they reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to the continued
reform of the global governance system.
The ministers also emphasised the need to deal with both security and
development issues and in this regard, they urged the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to place developmental issues at the centre of
their agenda. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Doha Development
Agenda and expressed the hope that the process would be revived, in order to
bring more equity into the global trading system.
At the end of his visit, Minister Mindaoudou expressed her profound
gratitude to Minister Dlamini Zuma and to the government and people of South
Africa for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to her and her
delegation.
Minister Mindaoudou extended an invitation to her counterpart to pay a
working visit to Niger. The date of the visit will be determined through the
Diplomatic Channel.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
18 April 2007
