hold bilateral discussions with German Foreign Minister Frank Walter
Steinmeier
9 March 2009
Minister Dlamini Zuma arrives in Germany ahead of scheduled bilateral
meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrived Sunday in
Berlin ahead of her scheduled bilateral discussions with German Foreign
Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday, 9 March.
Minister Dlamini Zuma will be supported during the visit to Germany by
Foreign Affairs Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, South Africa's Ambassador
to 'Germany Eddie Funde, South Africa's Consul-General Tselane Mokuena and
senior government officials.
Minister Dlamini Zuma is on a four nation European visit aimed at
consolidating bilateral political, economic and trade relations between South
Africa with European countries whilst advancing North-South relations and
consolidating the African Agenda. In this context, Minister Dlamini Zuma,
visited Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK), and now Germany and will later
this week visit Denmark.
Discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and Minister Walter Steinmeier
will focus on among others:
* review of existing bilateral political, economic and trade relations
between the two countries
* the forthcoming G20 meeting scheduled for London
* reform of the global financial architecture
* consolidation of the African Agenda
* preparations for the forthcoming Confederations Cup and the FIFA 2010 World
Cup.
Bilateral relations between South Africa and Germany remain sound, dynamic
and wide-ranging. Relations cover a wide variety of issues including investment
and trade, science and technology, defence, culture, environment, tourism,
sport, development co-operation as well as energy. These are regulated through
existing bilateral committees that meet regularly throughout the year at
ministerial and official's levels.
By the year 2007, Germany was South Africa's second largest export market.
Exports amounted to R45 billion in 2008 indicating a strong growth from
previous years from R20 billion in 2004. On the other hand in 2007 Germany was
South Africa's largest source of imports. By 2008 imports amounted to R77
billion having grown from R44 billion in 2004.
During her visit to Germany, Minister Dlamini Zuma will also address the
African Diplomatic Corps based in Berlin to exchange views on African
developmental issues as well as the current global issues.
Whilst in Berlin Minister Dlamini Zuma will also have an opportunity to
interact with the German businesses co-hosted by the Deutsche Afrika-Stiftung
and the Deutsche Industrie â und Handelskammer during a breakfast meeting
scheduled for later in the day to discuss the current global financial and
economic crisis.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
9 March 2009
