hold discussions with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs
18 February 2009
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will, on Thursday,
19 February 2009, hold bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with
her Mexican counterpart Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa at
Groote Schuur House in Cape Town.
The bilateral discussions will take place within the context of South
Africaâs priority to strengthen relations with Latin America with a view to
consolidating the developmental agenda and deepening South-South cooperation.
Issues on the agenda of discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and Secretary
of State Espinosa are expected to include, among others:
* the status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between
the two countries as well as ways in which to strengthen these focal
areas
* enhanced co-operation between the two countries in the fields of science and
technology, culture, tourism, trade and inter-parliamentary relations
* increased Mexican support for the African developmental agenda
* a briefing on developments in Africa as well as Latin and South America
including the impact on the global financial crisis on these emerging and
developing markets and
* issues of mutual interest including the comprehensive reform of the United
Nations Security Council and climate change.
Minister Dlamini Zuma and Secretary of State Espinosa will, on conclusion of
discussions, sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Establish a Bi-National
Commission and an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. The establishment
of a Joint Bi-National Commission (BNC) would allow both countries the
opportunity to review bilateral cooperation projects and to identify
co-operation in new areas.
Alongside South Africa Mexico is one of the five developing countries
invited to participate in the G8 outreach sessions held on the margins of the
annual G8 Summit. Mexico is also currently fulfilling its tenure as a
non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council during 2009 and
2010. Bilaterally, 2009 marks the commemoration of 15 years of diplomatic
relations between the two countries. South Africa opened its Embassy in Mexico
City in 1994.
Secretary of State Espinosa is expected to depart from South Africa on
Friday 20 February 2009.
Bilateral economic relations
Mexico is South Africaâs third largest trading partner in Latin America and
the Caribbean after Brazil and Argentina and South Africa is Mexicoâs largest
trading partner in Africa. Trade between the two countries has been growing at
a steady pace. There is a noticeable development in the increase of
diversification on traded goods and most importantly, trade between the two
countries is complementary.
Main exports to Mexico are iron and steel products, machinery and equipment,
metal ores, chemicals, cereals, and raw hides and skins. Imports from Mexico
include wheeled tractors, machinery and equipment, paper and paperboard and
chemical products.
Another significant step in relations was the signing of the Technical
Co-operation Agreement in the field of Social Development in 2006. This
agreement enables South Africa to learn from Mexicoâs âOportunidadesâ
(opportunities) programme, a highly successful and world leading Social Welfare
programme. This all indicates that South Africa and Mexico are countries with
similar challenges and that we can learn from each other on how to deal with
these challenges in order to improve the lives of our people.
Tourism
Tourism between the countries is growing - approximately 1 500 visa
applications from Mexico and other Central American countries traveling to or
through South Africa were processed during the period March to October 2008.
South Africaâs hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is being used to create a
sizeable interest in visiting South Africa before, during and after the 2010
soccer world cup.
Media programme
Time: 11h15
Arrival of media for photo opportunity on commencement of bilateral discussions
between Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of
Mexico Ambassador Patricia Espinosa
Venue: Groote Schuur House, Cape Town
Please present press cards
Please RSVP to:
E-mail: ngculut@foreign.gov.za or
masangod@foreign.gov.za
For enquiries contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
Thembela Ngculu:
Cell: 082 387 5611
Time: 11h45
Commencement of bilateral discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and
Secretary Espinosa
Media in attendance for opening remarks and photo opportunity
Time: 12h15
Arrival of media for signing of agreements and joint press conference by
Minister Dlamini Zuma and Secretary Espinosa
Venue: Groote Schuur House, Cape Town
Time: 12h45
Signing of agreements and joint press conference by Minister Dlamini Zuma and
Secretary Espinosa
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
18 February 2009
