Your Excellency, Ambassador van de Geer
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It's an honour to address this gathering on the 65th Anniversary of Europe Day.
South Africa has been a beneficiary of generous development assistance from the EU through the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), whose objective is to bring added value through innovation, pilot programmes, capacity development, and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
Particularly close to my heart is the Innovation for Poverty Alleviation programme implemented by my department with significant support under the DCI. The EU assistance has made a marked difference in strengthening our ability to harness science, technology and innovation to fight poverty, unemployment and inequality.
It was agreed in 2013 that the new Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for the DCI will focus on employment creation, education, training, and innovation and building a capable and developmental state. In support of this programme the EU has formally committed €241 million for the period 2014-2020 under the DCI to help South Africa tackle poverty. We look forward to this new chapter of our cooperation.
In addition to the DCI funding, South Africa has benefited immensely from the EU’s investment arm, the European Investment Bank (EIB).The EIB has provided competitive loans to support municipal infrastructure, water supply, housing, manufacturing, Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises telecommunications, and electrical power initiatives.
Regarding trade, the SADC and the EU signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in July 2014. The SADC-EPA marks a major new milestone in this evolving relationship with the EU, our largest trade and investment partner. The SADC-EPA will lead to increasing investment opportunities, making trade cheaper and faster, and making the policy environment more predictable. We look forward to strengthening our strategic relationship on the basis of the new Agreement and working with our European partners to support South Africa’s growth and development objectives, as outlined in our National Development Plan.
We share perspectives on issues of mutual concern, such as the post-2015 development agenda, climate change and dealing with conflict in Africa. The post-2015 development agenda presents a unique opportunity for the EU and South Africa to collaborate in calling for a development agenda that aims to eradicate poverty and address the three pillars of sustainable development – namely, inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability.
In this context, one of the tenets on which South Africa-EU cooperation in my portfolio is based, is the shared commitment to collaborate in addressing global challenges such as pandemic disease, climate change or food security.
An excellent example is the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, where South Africa and several other African nations have joined forces with the EU to accelerate the development of new drugs, vaccines, and other interventions for the fight against infectious including neglected diseases.
South Africa subscribes to the AU’s 'Agenda 2063'. “Agenda 2063” sets targets for positive socio-economic transformation within the next 50 years. In this regard the, Africa-EU Partnership is an important initiative. The Partnership is based on shared values, and aims to promote common interests and achieve shared strategic objectives. It brings Africa and Europe closer together through the strengthening of economic cooperation and the promotion of sustainable development.
In this regard I would like to express my appreciation for the support received, especially from the European Parliament, through its African European Radio Astronomy Platform, for Africa’s hosting of the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope.
In conclusion, I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa to congratulate the EU on this special occasion. I would also like to express our appreciation to Ambassador Van de Geer and his staff at the Delegation for their commitment to work with us in developing a strategic, mutually beneficial partnership.
Thank you.
