SAâCuba Consultative Forum
28 January 2006
Welcoming remarks and introduction by Dr Dlamini Zuma
This is the first time that we, as Ministers, chair the South AfricaâCuba
Consultative Forum that is normally led by both our Deputy Foreign Ministers.
The fact that we meet a mere five months after the Joint South Africa-Cuba
Bi-national Commission held in Havana in September 2005, is indicative of the
friendship and partnership shared by both countries. Indeed, this relationship
must be strengthened further.
During this forum, we will be given an opportunity to evaluate the relations
between our two countries, developments in the world and an opportunity to
synchronise our positions. Of course, as we meet today, there are indeed very
significant global developments that must be considered, not least is the
development in the Middle East following the Palestinian elections held on 25
January 2006.
These elections must be analysed and respected since they represent the
outcome of free and fair elections and are an expression of the will of the
people of Palestine. We have strong historic relations with Fatah.
We must also, in this forum, consider developments in Africa, including
developments in the African Union.
We are very keen to receive an analysis of developments in your region, how
these will impact on the region and elsewhere in the world. We are also very
aware of the critical issues being discussed at the United Nations, in this
regard; we both have a keen interest in developments at the United Nations. It
is important to remember that at the time of its inception, the United Nations
was located within a particular paradigm of international relations and
consisted of 50 countries. We now have an opportunity to shape the United
Nations in a drastically changed international paradigm. However, if we are not
careful, those who shaped the United Nations 60 years ago will continue to do
so.
We look forward to the Cuban chairpersonship of the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM). We hope that we will be able to work together in the coming months to
ensure that Cuba can host a successful Summit in September 2006. The outcomes
of this Summit will guide our work for the next three years.
We will also discuss the revitalisation of the co-ordinating mechanism
between the Group of 77 (G-77) and NAM. And, of course, we have just concluded
the Hong Kong Round of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Talks, we will have a
valuable opportunity to reflect upon the outcomes of thereof.
South Africa and Cuba, as countries with an interest in sustainable
development, we must look at the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and how we
can play a role in ensuring developing countries achieve the MDGs. We must also
reflect on how we can give expression to South co-operation. We have good
examples of how this can work, especially in the health sector.
And finally, we must consider the role of women in all of these issues since
there can be no sustainable development without women.
Remarks by Cuban Foreign Minister Perez Roque
We express satisfaction at the opportunity to hold this 4th session of the
Consultative Mechanism, for the first time at Ministerial level, in South
Africa, a country for which we have profound respect and appreciation.
Relations between South Africa and Cuba should be the model on which
relations between all countries are built. A relationship based on respect,
co-operation and the defence of similar positions in multilateral fora.
We respect the role that South Africa has played in the international arena
and the profile it has established. We also appreciate the support of South
Africa against the constant economic blockade of Cuba, the most recent of which
was experienced in November last year. We also appreciate the consistent
support from South Africa on the issue of human rights, particularly in the
Human Rights Commission.
We are very pleased with the agenda that will see us discuss matters of
United Nations reform, revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and
developments in Africa. We will brief you on developments in Latin America. We
attach great importance to receiving views from the South African side given
its authority and active role in international fora.
It is significant that South Africa is leading the Group of 77 (G-77) whilst
Cuba is getting ready to assume the Chairpersonship of the NAM. This meeting
will give momentum to bilateral political relations between both countries.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
28 January 2006
