Brussels
10 November 2006
Introduction
The first meeting of the Joint Commission between the Republic of South
Africa and the Kingdom of Belgium was held in Brussels on 10 November 2006,
implementing the Joint Declaration signed between the two countries during the
official visit of His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki to Belgium in November
2004. The meeting had the format of a Plenary Session co-chaired Dr Ayanda
Ntsaluba, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of South
Africa, and by Ambassador Jan Grauls, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development
Co-operation of Belgium, preceded by work sessions of the four Special
Committees on political issues, economic matters, development co-operation and
defence. The list of participants is attached in annex.
The relations between Belgium and South Africa are strong and flourishing,
as illustrated by above-mentioned visit of President Thabo Mbeki to Belgium and
the visit to South Africa of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, at the head of
an economic delegation, in March 2006.
Both delegations reviewed political, economic and social developments in
their respective countries; they paid attention to the challenges ahead and
they identified new areas of bilateral co-operation and trilateral commitment
in other parts of Africa. Belgium's Federal Government and the Regional
Governments, in particular Flanders, gave special attention to South Africa's
challenges regarding economic and social development and both sides agreed that
capacity building and skills development to develop the Second Economy will
remain crucial issues in the immediate future.
Special Political Committee
African Union (AU) - New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) -
African Partnership Forum (APF)
Belgium and South Africa both emphasised the crucial role of the African
Union in African development and peacekeeping in particular. Both countries
remain committed to the AU's endeavours and reiterated their continued support
for capacity building. Belgium availed itself of this opportunity to commend
South Africa's and in particular President Mbeki's efforts to bring about peace
in Africa.
Both delegations also stressed the importance of the New Partnership for
Africa's Development as Africa's main programme for socio-economic development.
Belgium commended South Africa for its role as key driver of the NEPAD process.
South Africa welcomed Belgium's commitment to NEPAD in particular through its
support for the NEPAD Secretariat and its commitment to the work of the Africa
Partnership Forum towards improving the implementation and the efficiency of
the NEPAD priority programmes. Belgium took note that the Review of South
Africa within the African Peer Review Mechanism would be completed by the end
of 2006.
Both parties supported the role of the APF as a multilateral forum for
enhancing international co-operation towards the achievement the NEPAD
objectives. They took note of the results of the APF meeting in Moscow on 26
and 27 October 2006, and welcomed the positive input from the APF support unit
and the NEPAD Secretariat in monitoring the progress made in priority areas of
the Joint Action Plan and in further facilitating the way forward in view of
the meetings of the APF next year.
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
South Africa informed Belgium about the Extraordinary SADC Summit on the
regional integration agenda, which was held in Midrand on Monday, 23 October
2006. Reference was also made to the next European Union (EU)-SADC double
troika meeting at ministerial level, which is due to take place in Lesotho on
Friday, 17 November 2006. Both delegations expressed the hope that the next
Ministerial Conference in the framework of the Berlin Initiative will be held
as soon as possible.
EU-Africa dialogue
Belgium and South Africa underlined the importance of the EU Strategy for
Africa and welcomed the priority set by the EU and the African countries on the
development and enhancement of their relationship with a comprehensive,
integrated and long-term framework. They welcomed the EU pledge to concentrate
its support to Africa in the areas of peace and security, human rights and
governance, development assistance, sustainable economic growth, regional
integration and trade.
Both countries fully supported the ministerial EU-Africa troika agreement to
transform the Strategy into a joint EU-Africa Strategy and to develop an action
plan for its implementation. They reaffirmed their commitment to implement the
Strategy.
EU-South Africa Partnership
Belgium acknowledged South Africa's important role in Africa and in the
world at large and the need to develop the European Union's relationship with
South Africa into a truly strategic partnership. In many ways the Strategic
Partnership between Belgium and South Africa is a precursor of the SA-EU
Partnership.
Belgium and South Africa gave their full support to the process of
developing an EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership that will be complementary
to and fully consistent with the EU Strategy for Africa. They agreed that, in
this regard, coherence needs to be assured between the Strategic Partnership,
Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) and Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the SADC group, the Country Strategy Paper
(CSP) and South Africa's national, regional and African priorities and
commitments.
Great Lakes Region
Belgium and South Africa reiterated their common commitment to peace,
stability and economic progress in the Great Lakes Region. They emphasised the
need to focus further on bilateral actions and trilateral co-operation in that
Region, more precisely on support for the new institutions, security sector
reform, economic reconstruction and development. Concrete initiatives will be
developed for mid-term review.
Both Parties agreed to continue to emphasise the need for good governance
and respect of human rights as the foundation for any meaningful development.
The Region's peoples are entitled to long term peace and security and for the
whole of Africa; a stable Great Lakes Region is a prerequisite for the
continent's progress.
They welcomed the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC) and called on the presidential candidates and their supporters to respect
the outcome. Both parties agreed to continue their support to the DRC in its
call to the international community to provide assistance for its
reconstruction and development programme. They are also of the opinion that
these efforts should be sustained by the establishment of a co-ordination and
support mechanism in Kinshasa allowing for a sustained policy dialogue between
priority partners of the DRC and the new Congolese authorities.
Belgium and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to the consolidation of
peace in Burundi and to work together, with the Burundi authorities, towards
strengthening democratic institutions. Belgium commended South Africa for its
tireless commitment towards the Burundi peace process. They stressed the
immediate need for increased international co-operation and the urgent
implementation of financial promises already made towards Burundi's
reconstruction efforts.
They emphasised the importance for the Burundi peace process of the Regional
Initiative as well as of the future integrated United Nations (UN) Office and
they committed their full support to the work of the UN Peace Building
Commission.
Both delegations agreed that sound management of natural resources will play
a crucial role in any stabilisation effort in the Great Lakes Region. They
emphasised the urgent need to enhance transparency in the solid minerals
sector. They committed themselves to mutual consultations on the subject and to
work together with the countries of the Region and with international
partners.
Both parties stressed the importance of a continued substantive presence for
the next couple of years of the United Nations through its peacekeeping
mission, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(MONUC). They agreed to work together in developing a new adequate mandate for
MONUC in the post-transition phase.
Both countries finally stressed the importance of regional co-operation in
the Great Lakes Region, through SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and
Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and other
organisations, but also through the protocols and programmes of the
International Conference for the Great Lakes Region, in particular those
encouraging cross border confidence building and transparency in the natural
resources sector.
Sudan
The parties expressed their common concern over the deteriorating situation
in the Darfur region of Sudan and exchanged views on the roles of the United
Nations (UN) and AU in managing the crises. The parties commended the work done
by the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in Darfur, but emphasised that in
order to secure peace keeping in support of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA)
there is a need for a UN operation. The parties expressed their support for the
DPA as the basis for a peaceful solution to the Darfur conflict. They called on
signatories to the DPA to respect their commitments and those outside to join
in the peace process. The parties called for an immediate ceasefire under the
existing agreements. The parties recognised that attempts to find a solution to
the conflict in Darfur must also involve neighbouring Chad and the Central
African Republic.
Both countries stressed the need for further progress in the implementation
of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. They expressed the hope that the
continuing crisis in Darfur would not have negative consequences on the full
implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and urged all parties
to fully implement all protocols of the CPA.
Ivory Coast
South Africa informed Belgium of its efforts to find a solution to the
situation in Ivory Coast as well as the recent discussions and decision by
Heads of State of the AU Peace and Security Council on Tuesday, 17 October
2006. The parties expressed their support for UN Security Council Resolution
1721 of Wednesday, 1 November 2006.
United Nations
Belgium and South Africa agreed that effective and rules-based
multilateralism with the UN as its core is an indispensable tool to bring about
international peace and security, sustainable development and the promotion of
human rights. They agreed to consult and to work together on issues of common
concern, such as conflict prevention and management, as well as the reform of
the UN system, including the strengthening of the Human Rights Council. They
re-emphasised the importance of Security Council reform. South Africa also
emphasised the need for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to be
enlarged.
Keeping in mind the fact that both countries will be non-permanent members
of the Security Council in 2007/08, Belgium and South Africa agreed to increase
consultations on matters which are on the Security Council's agenda, both
between their capitals and through their Permanent Missions in New York. The
Parties briefed each other on their respective positions on certain issues
relating to global peace and security, particularly as regards Africa, with a
view to close co-operation.
Peace process in the Middle East
Belgium and South Africa called on the parties in the Arab-Israeli conflict
to re-engage in a constructive process leading step by step to a peaceful and
comprehensive settlement based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and
in particular, to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian
conflict.
A constructive process would alleviate the economic and humanitarian
situation in Gaza and the West Bank. This is also the purpose of bilateral
co-operation programmes in the Palestinian Territories, implemented by both
South Africa and Belgium.
Iraq - Iran
Both countries also exchanged views on the situation in Iraq and on
Iran.
Special Economic Committee
Introduction
Both delegations took note of the increase in bilateral trade over the last
two years as BLEU-exports (Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union) to South Africa
grew by 25% in 2004 and by 20% in 2005 and South Africa's exports to Belgium
grew by 22% in 2005, with South Africa maintaining its trade surplus. They
acknowledged that the abovementioned economic mission to South Africa led by
Prince Philippe in March 2006 with the active participation of more than 120
business people, representing a wide variety of sectors such as logistics,
ports, retail, industrial appliances and sports infrastructure, has opened new
perspectives for trade and investment.
The delegation also made reference to a number of other activities during
the last year aimed at stimulating bilateral economic ties, e.g. the seminar
organised by the Royal Institute for International Relations on 1 December
2005, with participation of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign
Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation, the South African Embassy,
Regional Export Agencies and Belgian business partners.
AsgiSA � JIPSA
The South African delegation gave a briefing on AsgiSA (Accelerated and
Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa) and JIPSA (Joint Initiative for
Priority Skills Acquisition), which aim at achieving sustainable economic
growth and redistribution in the South African economy. The core objective of
the South African Government is to halve poverty and unemployment by 2014.
Besides the moral imperative, achieving these targets will bolster political
stability and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Based on a
steady improvement in the performance and job creating capacity of the economy
over the past decade, South Africa considers these targets to be
achievable.
South Africa highlighted its huge public investment programme in
infrastructure development (EUR40 billion) over the next three years. This
includes projects in electrification, water, rail, ports, airports and
petroleum pipeline and opens up numerous opportunities for collaboration with
international partners. In this regard, South Africa invited Belgian economic
operators to participate in these projects, as well as to take advantage of the
opportunities emerging from the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
The Belgian delegation recalled the different efforts already undertaken in
capacity building through its Federal programmes. Belgium emphasised its
intention to give particular attention to these South African initiatives in
future co-operation programmes. Reference was made to the competences of the
Regions and Communities in the area of international relations, which has
resulted in various initiatives with South Africa. The Flemish Government has
its own co-operation programmes as well as an annual consultation process on
development co-operation. South Africa expressed its willingness to strengthen
its co-operation with all competent institutional authorities in Belgium.
Belgium's Federal and Regional Governments will encourage businesses to lend
support for the JIPSA initiative by offering scholarships. The Flemish
Government is already focusing in its programmes on capacity building. Both the
Federal and the Flemish Governments will examine increased opportunities in
port management through various channels, including new strategies for
development co-operation. The government of the Walloon Region on the other
hand focuses mainly on improving qualification in supply chain management. The
Economic Committee was requested to follow up on this matter and to consult
with the Committee for Development Co-operation.
Belgium informed South Africa of the latter's recent inclusion in the list
of partner countries for the fellowship scheme for highly qualified non-EU
researchers, implemented by the Federal Science Policy Office, providing them
with an opportunity to work for six to twelve months in a Belgian research
team.
Bilateral trade and investments
Both delegations updated each other on economic developments and the
investment environment in their respective countries. South Africa reported
that since 1994, but particularly since 2004, it has experienced an
unprecedented period of sustained economic growth and stability. South Africa
indicated that growth averaged about 3% during the first decade of democracy.
Since 2004 growth has tended to exceed 4% per year, reaching 4,9% in 2005. The
economy is experiencing its highest levels of business and consumer confidence
in 16 years and a recent World Bank investment climate survey has rated South
Africa's investment environment as highly favourable. South Africa explained
the efforts it was making to promote investments and outlined the steps being
taken to review the investment incentives currently available in South
Africa.
Belgium expressed a number of concerns raised by its companies. South Africa
elaborated on the regulatory reforms designed to enhance sustainable growth and
development and expressed its willingness to assist Belgian companies to comply
with all regulations and its readiness to continue to address any reasonable
concerns from investors.
Considering the prominent positions both countries hold, South Africa as a
diamond producer and Belgium (Antwerp) as a world diamond centre, both parties
recognised the strategic importance of this industry in their respective
economies and the need to further strengthen co-operation in this area. In this
regard, the parties agreed to explore positive measures to foster and improve
relations in the exchange of technologies, training and the exchange of
information on diamond legislation.
Considering the opportunities for further enhancing collaboration and
investment in this sector, both parties agreed to convene a workshop on diamond
policies and administration which will include business and other role-players
before the end of the first half of 2007.
South Africa explained that there are investment and co-operation
opportunities in a number of key sectors, including in the areas of biofuels,
wind energy, solar power, and energy efficiency initiatives. The parties agreed
that strengthening bilateral energy co-operation would be of benefit for the
environment and the economic development of the two countries. The parties
expressed their willingness to facilitate business-to-business linkages between
their respective companies.
Considering the important role of South Africa as a producer of synthetic
fuels and the high concentration of the petrochemical industry in Belgium, both
countries undertook to further co-operate in this sector. A discussion also
took place on economic opportunities for both countries related to the
organisation in South Africa of the World Cup Football in 2010.
Direct air link Brussels - Johannesburg
Both delegations took note of the fact that the regular direct flights
between Brussels and Johannesburg, formerly serviced by Sabena and Sobelair as
well as by South African Airways, have been suspended for various reasons.
Considering that a direct air link can be a strong catalyst for the development
of business, tourism and people-to-people contact, they welcomed ongoing
commercial talks and agreed to support any initiative to re-establish a direct
air link.
Administrative simplification and e-government
Belgium briefed South Africa on its achievements in the area of
administrative simplification and the furthering of e-government and expressed
its willingness to support South African efforts in these areas. A programme in
this respect will be presented to the South African government within the near
future, following mutual consultation amongst experts.
The Belgian delegation provided an overview of the approach and structure
which it has put in place to address excessive administrative regulations in
order to stimulate entrepreneurship, competitiveness and attractiveness for
foreign investments as well as to improve the life of citizens in dealing with
administration and to reduce the inefficiencies and cost of the public sector.
Belgium was willing to share its experience on several levels: principles in
directing administrative reform in favour of its simplification, analysis of
existing laws and regulations, prevention of new administrative burden,
awareness creation and involvement of citizens and entrepreneurs.
In the area of e-government, the Belgian delegation indicated its
willingness to share experience through the possibility of a fact-finding
mission of South African experts in accordance with South African priorities
and Belgian experience. Such visit could, amongst others, focus on issues
related to the technical requirements for the setup of a national e-government,
identity management, aspects of e-society, life-cycle of e-ID cards,
registration of citizens and project management.
South Africa emphasised that bridging the digital divide is a key priority
of AsgiSA and highlighted the opportunities in South Africa as well as in the
region. They welcomed the possibility of pursuing further co-operation in this
area.
Food safety and agricultural exports
Regarding the importance of South African exports of agricultural products
to the European single market through Belgian points of entry, Belgium
expressed its intention to enhance co-operation in favour of improving food
chain safety and bilateral trade. Both countries agreed to establish a
consultation and co-operation mechanism with a view to facilitate the dialogue
on food/feed safety control.
In this regard, South Africa took note of the presentation of the structure,
experiences and operational procedures of the Belgian Federal Agency for the
Safety of the Food Chain. Furthermore, both parties agreed to consider
establishing channels of communication so as to promote the development of
bilateral trade and to timeously notify each other of the relevant information
and co-operate in the best way possible to efficiently search for mutually
acceptable solutions to possible trade-related problems.
Customs Co-operation
Both parties confirmed the establishment of a working group on Customs
issues of mutual concern, in the framework of the Special Economic Committee of
the Joint Commission. Both parties agreed to prepare a common agenda and a
working plan on issues to be handled by this working group.
Both parties noted that by deepening the co-operation between the two
Customs administrations, legitimate trade between Belgium and South Africa can
be facilitated and at the same time illegitimate trade, such as drug
trafficking and violation of intellectual property rights can be combated. Both
Customs administrations have expressed an intention to implement the World
Customs Organisation SAFE (Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate
Global Trade) framework of standards and they committed themselves to exploring
ways of co-operating in its implementation.
Trade relations with the European Union: TDCA and EPA
The Parties expressed their satisfaction at the contribution of the Trade,
Development and Co-operation Agreement in strengthening their trade relations,
and agreed that the TDCA has proven to be a good basis for co-operation between
the EU and South Africa. In line with the provisions of the Agreement, the
parties welcomed the ongoing review of the TDCA, which will allow the
addressing of possible implications of other arrangements on EU-SA trade
relations such as the EU enlargement, the new South African Customs Union
(SACU) agreement of 2004 as well as the ongoing SADC-EU EPA negotiations. The
parties also called for further steps to be taken in the process of trade
liberalisation during the review of the trade provisions of the TDCA.
The South African side shared its understanding of the state of play in the
SA-EU TDCA review and the SADC-EU EPA negotiations and expressed the hope that
the EU would respond positively to the SADC EPA Framework proposal, which calls
for the alignment of the SA-EU TDCA review and the SADC EPA negotiations to
lead towards a single trade regime between Southern Africa and the EU. South
Africa further expressed its view that a favourable response would provide the
momentum for constructive and timely conclusion of these negotiations, and
could also expedite the economic integration of the SADC region.
The two sides agreed that the proposed EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership
could also contribute to the deepening of the bilateral economic relations and
provide further impetus for the development of the SADC region. In this regard,
the parties agreed that coherence needs to be assured between the EU-SA
Strategic Partnership which could provide support to the alignment of the TDCA,
and the SADC-EPA negotiating process and outcome.
Kimberley-process
Both parties underscored the positive results achieved so far through the
Kimberley Process Certification System (KPCS) and their commitment to further
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme. They agreed to
intensify the exchanges of information and policy positions on the
implementation of the resolutions taken by the KPCS Plenary in Gaborone, in
particular the implementation of the results of the mandatory three-year review
process.
Both Parties welcomed the establishment of the KPCS Working Group of
Alluvial Producers (WGAP) and expressed confidence that this development would
contribute to the strengthening of internal controls and the important
contribution of the diamond sector for the development of these economies.
South Africa and Belgium agreed to work closely together in support of the
European Community during its forthcoming tenure as Chair of the KPCS during
2007.
World Trade Organisation (WTO) - Doha Development Agenda (DDA)
Both parties expressed the need to resume negotiations of the Doha
Development Agenda as soon as possible. They stressed the importance of an
ambitious and balanced outcome, beneficial for development in all aspects of
the negotiation, including agriculture, industrial goods and services as well
as operationalisation of commitments made with respect to special and
differential treatment as part of the development agenda, as well as aid for
trade.
Such outcome would require all parties involved in the negotiations to work
in a spirit of compromise recognising that the major economies needed to
provide leadership in the negotiations. It was agreed that the cost of failure
would be far greater than the effort that is required to reach an agreement
that is satisfactory for all. Developing countries' trade and development
interests would be particularly prejudiced by failure to meet the development
objectives of the round. Both parties were willing to contribute to the
successful completion of the DDA.
Belgium, as a member of the European Union, confirmed its commitment to the
rules-based multilateral trading system and believes that the EU has made
significant and solid contributions to the negotiating process, most notably in
its proposal made in October 2005. Belgium acknowledged the importance of
meeting the development objectives of the DDA.
Special Committee on Development Co-operation
Joint Report of the Development Co-operation Committee
Development co-operation between Belgium and South Africa commenced
immediately after the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994. Since
the first Indicative Co-operation Programme was launched in 2001 and focused on
programmes in sectors including health, police co-operation, land reform and
support to civil society organisations, excluding contributions allocated
through multilateral co-operation and the European Commission.
Belgian Development Co-operation with South Africa is implemented via a
number of channels, namely direct bilateral co-operation, indirect co-operation
through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and co-operation between
universities or scientific institutions and the multilateral co-operation.
Both parties reviewed the status of implementation of the first Indicative
Co-operation Programme (2001-2006) and expressed satisfaction at the depth of
development co-operation based on and aligned to South Africa's strategic
development priorities and programmes.
The Parties emphasised the importance of compliance with the Paris
Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, Ownership, Alignment and Harmonisation of
March 2005. In light of the low disbursement of funds, the parties agreed on
the necessity to simplify processes on both sides. They concluded that
political commitment should be expressed through the revision of legal and
administrative instruments. An open dialogue between the two parties is
essential to take this process forward.
Both parties reviewed the jointly developed second Indicative Co-operation
Programme (2007-2010) and expressed their satisfaction with the key objectives
and the fact that they are aligned to the development objectives of South
Africa; specifically poverty reduction and economic growth, targeted at
narrowing the inequality gap, promotion of governance and capacity building in
line with AsgiSA and JIPSA. South Africa took this opportunity to highlight its
priorities and presented the Programme of Action - Vision 2014.
South Africa noted its appreciation for Belgium's active participation in
the ongoing development of a new SA-EU Country Strategy Paper and for the
synergies between the second Indicative Co-operation Programme and the response
strategy reflected in the SA-EU Country Strategy Paper (2007-2013).
The parties welcomed the development of the new Indicative Co-operation
Programme for the period 2007-2010 with an indicative amount of �24 million
spread over 4 years. The overall objective of the new multi-year programme is
reducing poverty and inequality by improving effectiveness and quality of
service delivery at all levels of government; enhancing skills development in
the small business, informal sector and through the participation of civil
society; and by clarifying objectives and modalities for further impact
oriented trilateral and regional development co-operation.
The parties agreed on the Second Indicative Co-operation Programme for
development co-operation between Belgium and South Africa for the period 2007
to 2010. In that respect, agreed minutes of the meeting of the Development
Co-operation Committee were signed and attached to this communique.
All the financial contributions will be made in the form of untied grants
and will concentrate on the following programmes: namely consolidation of the
results of the ongoing interventions in the health sector and in the sector of
land reform, skills development and job creation and transfer of know-how and
support to the civil society.
Both parties agreed to follow up on the implementation of the second
Indicative Co-operation Programme at the annual consultations between both
parties, and at the implementation level with the partner committee
meetings.
Special Defence Committee
In accordance with the Agreement on Military Partnership between South
Africa and Belgium, signed on 28 February 2006 and in continuation of the
regular ministerial consultations, both bilateral and trilateral co-operation
were discussed.
South Africa confirmed the posting of a resident Defence Attache in
Brussels.
Meanwhile, the conclusion of a security agreement between the Defence
Departments of our countries enhances the framework within the mutual security
arrangements for a transparent co-operation, initially in the field of the
exchange of a South African C130 pilot, secondly for the South African
participation at the Belgian course concerning Improvised Explosive Device
Disposal. It also creates the opportunity for a reach back facility on
information exchange concerning Explosive Ordnance Disposal between South
Africa and Belgium.
Another student exchange discussed, concerned Officer Courses at the Belgian
Royal Military Academy and the Royal Higher Defence College and the
participation of the future Belgian Defence Attache at the South African
Executive National Security Programme.
Besides these bilateral actions, opportunities for trilateral co-operation
both in Burundi and in the DRC were explored and resulted in the expression of
the strong and common will to co-operate with our Central African partners with
whom these options will be discussed as soon as possible.
As a symbol for the close ties uniting both countries, the Belgian Navy Ship
GODETIA will visit Cape Town in the framework of a Defence Diplomacy Tour at
the beginning of February 2007. Our mutual understanding, the exchange of
information and the widening of our partnership through both bilateral and
trilateral actions will benefit international peace, security and stability. It
also expresses our common commitment to strengthening the good and friendly
relations by means of partnership in the field of Defence.
Next meeting
Both delegations agreed that the second meeting of the Joint Commission will
be held in Pretoria before the end of 2007. A mid-term review may be held at
Embassy level, either in Pretoria or in Brussels, in May or June 2007.
For the Republic of South Africa, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
For the Kingdom of Belgium, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Karel De Gucht
Armand De Decker
Minister of Development Co-operation
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 November 2006
