Africa-Bulgaria bilateral discussions, Presidential Guesthouse, Bryntirion
Estate, Pretoria
13 February 2009
Remarks by South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the media. We are very honoured to host
His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria
Ivailo Kalfin. We are particularly pleased that we are hosting him in South
Africa after a long history of relations between South Africa and Bulgaria at
various phases in our lives.
During our very difficult days, as you know, Bulgaria was one of those that
stood by us and assisted in bringing what is now a very good democratic
South
Africa. So, we will always be grateful to the people of Bulgaria for that and
we are also happy because we are meeting at a time where we are upgrading our
Mission in Sophie.
We will now have a full mission with full Ambassadorial status. Our
Ambassador designate is seated in front. She has probably received the best
briefing having participated in these discussions. We hope that she will indeed
implement everything we have discussed.
Basically, what we want to do is to strengthen our relations, ensure we have
concrete co-operation between our two countries in various areas, whether in
the economy, trade, culture, science and technology, health, training and we
also want to ensure we have regular interactions and exchange of ideas,
political consultations so that we are kept in dynamic contact and move forward
on all the necessary issues because we have no problems at a political level
but we need to now strengthen the co-operation between our countries. We are
also hoping there will be high-level visits between now and next year from
South Africa to Bulgaria and vice versa.
We have also talked about what is happening in the European Union, the
Balkans, the role Bulgaria is playing, what is happening in our region, so we
have really had a very fruitful and constructive discussion and we are grateful
that in his busy schedule, the Deputy Prime Minister has managed to find time
to come and visit us.
Thank you.
Remarks by Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
Ivailo Kalfin
It is a huge pleasure and honour for me this morning, to enjoy the
hospitality of my colleague Minister Dlamini Zuma. I am indeed very happy with
the content and results of our discussions.
We have discussed a number of important issues and we have seen
opportunities for co-operation in the future. In Bulgaria, we remember and have
a very warm feeling towards South African students who spent many years in
Bulgaria. We now have new realities. We see that South Africa is developing
very fast this is one of the major economies in the world, one of the major
political leaders in Africa, especially in times of economic and political
turbulence, it is very important to find the common ground for action.
We have been discussing a number of bilateral issues and perspectives in
terms of high level political visits and exchanges and in terms of very
concrete steps in the fields of education, culture, science, economy and
transportation there are many potential possibilities.
I was very interested and have heard a very valuable analysis on what is
happening in the region and Africa. As you know, the European Union is also
very involved and interested in these developments. I very highly appreciate
the role of South Africa in areas of international interest like Zimbabwe, the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia and I very much appreciate the
very positive and constructive role being played by South Africa in tackling
and dealing with these issues. This was very important to me because we are
discussing these issues in the European Union and I think it is very much
needed that when support is provided, it should be the right support and the
right support comes when you know what the region thinks, what the people
directly involved in solving the issues believe.
We have also discussed issues related to relations between South Africa and
the European Union. Minister Dlamini Zuma briefed me on a number of issues
ranging from economic co-operation to the critical involvement and support of
the European Union to particular countries. I was very pleased that we had a
discussion on co-operation in international organisations. We have a very good
history in supporting each other in different international organisations and
we are going to continue doing so.
Of course, we are very interested in the reform of the international
institutions including United Nations reform, UN Security Council reform. I
think we have very similar opinions on the need and the way in which to proceed
on these matters. Once again I thank Minister Dlamini Zuma for her hospitality
and the very good talks we have had.
Thank you.
Questions and answers
Question: Ministers, in terms of the discussions around Zimbabwe was the
issue of sanctions discussed at all? What is Bulgaria's view on the lifting of
sanctions by amongst others, the European Union?
Answer: (Minister Dlamini Zuma) Yes, we discussed it and as you know, the
European Union works collectively. We did suggest it would be good if Minister
Kalfin could assist us in the discussions in the European Union but he can
obviously not take a decision here as a single member because there are 27
member states. It was a good discussion.
Minister Kalfin: I think that what is happening in Zimbabwe is what the
international community expected, the creation of a government which reflected
the vote of the Zimbabwean people and which has to act in a very economic
situation in Zimbabwe. And again, I very much appreciate the efforts of South
Africa, former President Thabo Mbeki, the current government and President to
facilitate these developments.
Of course, the European Union had a number of concerns when the election
process was underway in Zimbabwe. I think that what we have now is the best
possible option an inclusive government and this government should receive very
clear signals that if it proceeds in the right direction, economic reforms and
democratic processes in the country, international support will be
encouraged.
I absolutely agree with Minister Dlamini Zuma and I think that the European
Union has good reason to react positively. It is very important and we are
going to pay very close attention to the developments in the country.
Question: Minister Dlamini Zuma, did you discuss future contracts for legal
support between Bulgaria and South Africa for the extradition of criminals?
Answer: (Minister Dlamini Zuma) We did not discuss that per se but obviously
the two departments of Justice can discuss further and come to an agreement. We
have agreements with other countries and extradition agreements with other
countries so there would be no reason to refuse if there is a need for
this.
Minister Kalfin: We have police co-operation which dates from 2004 which is
active and very important between our two countries. The police co-operation is
indeed something which is important for the government of Bulgaria and the
services in my country. I am sure that in the future, in view of this intense
schedule of discussions, we will if necessarily discuss the issues of
co-operation between justice and police. It is very important to combine the
efforts when we speak of anti-terrorism. The Bulgarian institutions are very
interested in deepening this co-operation.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 February 2009
Source: SAPA
