19 October 2006
Sydney - The Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, wrapped up her
working visit to Australia by meeting various Australian Federal politicians in
Canberra. Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka met with Rod Kemp, the Minister of Arts and Sports
to discuss ways in which South Africa could benefit from Australia's experience
in developing a viable and world-class film industry.
During her discussion with the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister,
Alexander Downer, the Deputy President deliberated with Mr Downer on the
promotion of economic and trade relations, the support of the Accelerated
Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) and the Joint Initiative for
Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA). The two principals agreed that the issue
of Zimbabwe was better handled by the multilateral fora. This approach would
help improve the effectiveness of mechanisms such as the Commonwealth, to which
both countries were members.
In her interaction with her host, Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, the
issue of finding practical ways in which Australia could help South Africa
realise the goals of JIPSA and AsgiSA was discussed. Matters of subsidisation
of training in South Africa and the training of South Africans were raised.
Mr Vaile indicated that the Australian Government was willing to assist
South Africa achieve her goals, as a prosperous South Africa would be
beneficial to Australians as well. Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka indicated that she was
pleased with the visit and felt that she had achieved her objectives.
"We have strengthened our ties with Australia. More of such visits, from
both sides, will cement this very important relationship," she said. The Deputy
President proceeds to New Zealand where she will be the guest of the Prime
Minister of New Zealand, Ms Helen Clark, and interact with the New Zealand
Parliament, its speaker, various ministers and the Young Christian Women's
Association (YWCA).
New Zealand has been a strong supporter of the anti-apartheid movement
orchestrating and playing a leading role in sports and cultural boycotts of the
seventies and eighties. New Zealand's Prime Minister visited South Africa in
March this year.
Enquiries:
Thabang Chiloane
Tel: (+61) 438 964 778
Issued by: The Presidency
19 October 2006
