According to the South African Constitution, the President is ultimately responsible for the foreign policy and international relations. It is the President’s prerogative to appoint heads of mission, receive foreign heads of mission, conduct State to State relations, and negotiate and sign all international agreements. Interna- tional agreements that are not of a technical, administrative or executive nature will only bind the country after being approved by Parliament. Parliament also approves the country’s ratification of or accession to multilateral agreements. All international agreements must be tabled in Parliament for information purposes. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is entrusted with the formulation, promotion, execution and daily conduct of South Africa’s foreign policy. • The Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) overall mandate is to work for the realisation of South Africa’s foreign policy objectives. This is done by: • coordinating and aligning South Africa’s international relations abroad • monitoring developments in the international environment • communicating government’s policy positions • developing and advising government on policy options, creating mechanisms and avenues for achieving objectives • protecting South Africa’s sovereignty and territorial integrity • contributing to the creation of an enabling international environment for South African business • sourcing developmental assistance • assisting South African citizens abroad. The department’s strategic objectives are to: • protect and promote South African national interests and values through bilateral and multilateral interactions • conduct and coordinate South Africa’s interna- tional relations and promote its foreign policy objectives • monitor international developments and advise

In October 2014, DIRCO, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, hosted the annual Diplomatic Fair at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The 2014 Diplomatic Fair takes places i under the theme: “Celebrating 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa.”The main participants were the International foreign diplomatic missions accredited to South Africa. The missions took advantage of the event to display and pro- mote cultural diplomacy through arts and music. Through the fair, the department aimed, among other things, to pro- Relations vide the public with information about countries accredited to South Africa and afford government, business, the diplo- matic corps, and other sectors of society the opportunity to learn and network.

249 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

government on foreign policy and related in the family of nations. South Africa emerged domestic matters as a democratic country into a fundamentally • contribute to the formulation of international transformed world with a visionary foreign policy law and enhance respect for its provisions that promotes relations with other countries. • promote multilateralism to secure a rules-based international system Disarmament, non-proliferation and • maintain a modern, effective department arms control driven to pursue excellence A primary goal of South Africa’s policy on • provide a world-class and uniquely South disarmament, non-proliferation and arms African state protocol service. control includes reinforcing and promoting the country as a responsible producer, possessor Legislation and trader of defence-related products and The DIRCO derives its mandate from the advanced technologies. In this regard, the following legislation: department continues to promote the benefits • The Foreign States Immunities Act, 1981 that disarmament, non-proliferation and (Act 87 of 1981), regulates the extent of the arms control hold for international peace and immunity of foreign states from the jurisdiction security, particularly to countries in Africa. of the South African courts and provides for Regarding conventional weapons, including matters connected therewith. small arms and light weapons, South Africa • The Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges actively participates in UN efforts related to Act, 2001 (Act 37 of 2001), provides for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the the immunities and privileges of diplomatic Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Certain missions and consular posts and their Conventional Weapons Convention, the UN members, heads of state, special envoys and Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light certain representatives of the United Nations Weapons and efforts aimed at establishing an (UN) and its specialised agencies, and other arms trade treaty. international organisations and certain people. • The African Renaissance and International Role players Cooperation Fund Act, 2001 (Act 51 of 2001), South Africa has key partnerships such as the establishes an African Renaissance and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Africa’s International Cooperation Fund to enhance comprehensive partnership with India, and the cooperation between South Africa and other Korea-Africa Forum. South Africa’s Government countries, in particular African countries, spares no effort in strengthening the progressive through the promotion of democracy, good forums of the South such as the Non-Aligned governance, the prevention and resolution Movement (NAM), G77+China, Africa-South of conflict, socio-economic development and America Summit and the New Asian-African integration, humanitarian assistance and Strategic Partnership (NAASP). These forums human resource development. have demonstrated that they are trusted allies • International agreements (multilateral and and partners in South Africa’s aim for a better bilateral): International agreements concluded world and Africa. by South Africa in terms of sections 231(2) and 231(3) of the Constitution. African Union (AU) The AU emerged from the Organisation of Budget and funding African Unity (OAU), which was established DIRCO received R5 755 million for the 2014/15 in 1963 with a charter signed by 32 countries financial year and required an additional in Addis Ababa. The OAU, which was officially R1,6 billion over the next three years to maintain disbanded in July 2002, was replaced by the its level of operation. AU with 51 members who pledged to work for closer political integration and unity among Foreign policy African countries. By prioritising Africa and promoting its renewal, Africa will never again tolerate change development and reconstruction, South Africa of governments through undemocratic and is contributing to building a better Africa, which is the central foreign policy goal of the South In November 2014, the Department of International Rela- African Government. tions and Cooperation, in partnership with the University of After the democratic elections in 1994, South the Witswatersrand School of Governance and the Oliver i and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, hosted the third debate Africa ceased to be the pariah of the world; it regained its rightful place in Africa, in the UN and on implementing the National Development Plan.

250 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

unconstitutional means. Africa is on a growth • The department will galvanise political support trajectory, which must be maintained to ensure for major infrastructure projects in the region, that the people of African are truly emancipated notably the Lesotho Highlands Water project from the wrath of underdevelopment, poverty Phase II, and the Grand INGA in the DRC. and hunger. The strengthened African Union For the rest of Africa, in the context of Agenda Commission (AUC) is central in driving the 2063, in the next five years DIRCO will: African Agenda. South Africa contributed • continue to strengthen bilateral relations with towards the goal of having a strong AUC and African countries through structured bilateral its structure. Resources were also contributed engagements to advance South Africa’s to hosting the Pan African Parliament, which interests throughout the continent celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2014. • intensify work in supporting the AU, including The continent is engaged in extensive consul- the AU institutions South Africa hosts; namely, tations on its vision for the next 50 years, known the Nepad Secretariat, Pan-African Parliament as Agenda 2063, under the theme “The Africa and the APRM headquarters We Want”. This vision, which is expected to • strengthen economic diplomacy to increase be adopted by the January 2015 Summit of the trade and investment opportunities for South AU, spells out the aspirations of African people Africa across all sectors and the pledges of leaders, • give dedicated attention to the North-South which are translated into a “Call to Action” Corridor, and other Nepad-driven infrastructure comprised of a 10-year action plan that will projects in Africa that is championed by contain flagship projects. President Zuma Each AU Member State, including South Africa, • ensure speedy provision of humanitarian is expected to contribute to this vision through assistance where needed to alleviate human inclusive national consultations by October suffering in Africa 2015. When the vision is adopted, Member • implement the African Diaspora programme States will have to align their national policies adopted at the AU Summit South Africa hosted with it through a process of domestication, which, in 2012 in South Africa’s case, entails harmonising • continue peace-building and conflict pre- Agenda 2063 with the National Development vention efforts in conflict situations in support Plan (NDP). DIRCO has already begun national of multilateral institutions consultations with different sectors. Agenda • re-invigorate the Post-Conflict and Recon- 2063 will affect the SADC, especially the pace struction and Development Strategy in African and direction of the integration of the region. The countries emerging from conflict. approach to the SADC region in the next five years was to consolidate bilateral relations with AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) South Africa’s neighbours, and strengthening South Africa plays an important role in efforts to SADC as an institution. In particular, DIRCO will: bring about peace and stability on the continent. • Strengthen regional integration in the SADC The AUPSC is the organ of the AU in charge neighbourhood by discharging the department’s of enforcing union decisions. Members are responsibilities towards the full implemen- elected by the AU Assembly to reflect regional tation of the FTA and concluding the review balance within Africa, as well as a variety of of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic other criteria, including capacity to contribute Development Plan. The SADC-EAC-COMESA militarily and financially to the union, political tripartite trade negotiations were expected to will to do so, and effective diplomatic presence reach finality, as they are an important step at Addis Ababa. towards the realisation of the African FTA by The AUPSC entered into force in December 2017. 2003, after being ratified by the required • Peace and political stability in the region will majority of AU member states. It is made up remain a priority. The proactive and stabilising of 15 member states and is responsible for effect that resulted from the deployment of the the resolution of conflict, peacekeeping and SADC Intervention Brigade in the Democratic post-conflict reconstruction and development Republic of Congo (DRC) where the negative (PCRD) in conjunction with the UN. forces there were either on retreat or have been defeated, is encouraging. DIRCO AU regional economic communities (RECs) will operationalise the Tripartite Agreement The AU is the principal institution responsible between South Africa, Angola and the DRC in for promoting sustainable development at support of the Peace and Security Framework economic, social and cultural level, as well as Agreement for the Great Lakes Region. integrating African economies.

251 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

RECs are recognised as the building blocks tation of the Third Report, South Africa was in of the AU, necessitating the need for their close a position to undergo its second APRM periodic involvement in formulating and implementing all review. AU programmes. Nepad remains the main programme of To this end, the AU must coordinate and reference for intra-African socio-economic and take decisions on policies in areas of common developmental relations and Africa’s partnerships interest to member states, as well as coordinate with international partners such as the European and harmonise policies between existing and Union (EU-AU) Strategic Partnership, Forum for future RECs, for the gradual attainment of the Africa-China Partnership, the Group of Seven AU’s objectives. Most Industrialised Nations plus Russia (G8), Seven specialised technical committees are the Tokyo International Conference on African responsible for the actual implementation of the Development, the NAASP and the Organisation continental socio-economic integration process, for Economic Cooperation and Development. together with the Permanent Representatives Through Nepad, Africa has expanded its Committee. development priorities. Development and funding in agriculture, ICT, science and technology, New Partnership for Africa’s infrastructure and education has improved the Development (Nepad) quality of life for millions of Africans. Nepad, an AU strategic framework for pan-African socio-economic development, is both a vision Southern African Development and a policy framework for Africa in the 21st Community (SADC) century. Nepad provides unique opportunities The SADC developed from the Southern for African countries to take full control of their African Development Coordination Conference development agenda, to work more closely (SADCC), which was established in 1980. It together, and to cooperate more effectively with adopted its current name during a summit held international partners. in Windhoek, Namibia, in August 1992. Before Nepad manages a number of programmes 1992, the aim of the SADCC was to forge close and projects in six theme areas namely: economic cooperation with southern African • agriculture and food security countries excluding South Africa, to bolster their • climate change and national resource management economies and reduce their dependence on the • regional integration and infrastructure South African economy. • human development From 1992, when the organisation became • economic and corporate governance the SADC, its mandate changed to the following: • cross-cutting issues, including gender, capacity • establishing an open economy based development and information and communi- on equality, mutual benefit and balanced cation technology (ICT). development South Africa, as one of the initiating countries, • breaking down tariff barriers played a key role in the establishment of Nepad • promoting trade exchanges and mutual and the African Peer Review Mechanism investment (APRM), and hosts the Nepad Agency and • realising the free movement of goods, APRM Secretariat in Midrand, Gauteng. personnel and labour service The APRM process is aimed at addressing • achieving the unification of tariffs and corruption, poor governance and inefficient currencies delivery of public goods and services to the • establishing a free trade zone. citizens of African countries. It encourages the The initial member states were Angola, adoption of policies, standards and practices that Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, lead to political stability, high economic growth, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, sustainable development and accelerated Zambia and Zimbabwe. South Africa became a regional and continental economic integration member after 1994. through the sharing of experiences and best South Africa has consistently sought to nurture practices, and is important to the sustainability regional integration at three levels: SACU, SADC of Nepad. and the Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) between In January 2014, at the 20th Summit of the SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and Committee of Participating Heads of State and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Government of the APRM (APR Forum), South Community (EAC). In particular, South Africa Africa presented its Third Progress Report has championed a “developmental regionalism” on the Implementation of the APRM National approach that combines market integration, Programme of Action. Following the presen- cross-border infrastructure development, and

252 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

policy coordination to diversify production and should be peaceful and in accordance with the boost intra-African trade. South Africa contributed centrality of the UN Charter and the principles of to the development of SACU’s Five-Point Plan, international law. South Africa was one of the 51 which aims to transform the customs union from founding member of the UN in 1945. Since then, a tariffs and a revenue-sharing agreement to UN membership has grown to 193 states. After an integrated institution capable of promoting being suspended in 1974, owing to international true regional economic development. The 2014 opposition to the policy of apartheid, South Africa revenue arrangement made South Africa the was readmitted to the UN in 1994 following its biggest development partner of the Botswana- transition to democracy. Lesotho-Namibia-Swaziland (BLNS) countries. Work in SADC continues to focus on consoli- UN General Assembly dating the SADC FTA launched in 2008, before President Jacob Zuma, led the South African considering deeper forms of integration in the delegation to the 69th Session of the UN General region. The ongoing negotiations to establish Assembly (UNGA 69), which took place in New the Tripartite FTA will combine the three major York, in the United States of America (USA) from regional economic communities of 600 million 24 – 30 September 2014. people and combined GDP of USD$1 trillion, as The UNGA is the main deliberative, policy- building blocks towards continental integration. making and representative organ of the UN. Once established, the T-FTA will contribute to Comprising all 193 members of the United economies of scale, the building of new distri- Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral bution channels, value addition, and manufac- discussion of the full spectrum of international turing in Africa. One of the key areas to stimulate issues covered by the Charter of the UN. regional economic development has been the The 2014 theme was: “Delivering on and finalisation of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Master Plan (RIDMP), which Development Agenda.” The theme was building will focus on the following six priority sectors: on that of UNGA 68 and took place against the energy, transport, ICT/communications, water, rapidly approaching target date for achieving tourism and meteorology. the millennium development goals (MDGs) by In October 2014, the Minister of International 2015, and the start of the intergovernmental Relations and Cooperation arrived in Gaborone, negotiations on the post-2015 development Republic of Botswana, for of the launch of the agenda, which was the major focal point in the SADC Election Observer Mission. multilateral arena. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane represented In accordance with its strategic approach, President Jacob Zuma, Chairperson of the South Africa’s participation was informed by SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security national interests and priorities, its regional Cooperation. South Africa was elected at the and continental commitments, as well as its recent SADC Summit held in Zimbabwe to aspirations for a prosperous world at peace chair the SADC, which is responsible for the with itself. In this regard, the general debate maintenance of peace and stability in the region. provided a platform for South Africa to advance South Africa led the SADC Election Observer its strategic priorities in the world’s pre-eminent missions in Mozambique, Botswana and multilateral forum. Namibia. President Zuma addressed the UNGA on 24 In February 2015, South Africa hosted an September 2014. Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Double Troika in Pretoria. The Extraordinary Summit UN Security Council (UNSC) considered the political and security situation in South Africa has served on the United Nations Lesotho ahead of the February 2015 elections. Security Council (UNSC) as non-permanent member for two terms. More than two-thirds of United Nations the UNSC’s agenda focuses on African issues. The UN occupies the central and indispensable During its second term, one of South Africa’s role within the global system of governance. biggest achievements was the adoption by the South Africa looks to the UN to advance the UNSC of resolution 2033 (2012), which South global development agenda and address under- Africa initiated, to formalise, strengthen and development, social integration, full employment promote the UNSC’s cooperation with regional and decent work for all and the eradication organisations, particularly the AUPSC. Close on of poverty globally. Through participation in 70 years of its existence, the UNSC still remains multilateral forums, South Africa also upholds the undemocratic, unrepresentative and unfair to belief that the resolution of international conflicts developing nations and small states, which

253 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture cannot remain beholden indefinitely to the will of Military and Security Companies (PMSCs), an unrepresentative minority on most important which objective is to elaborate a legally binding issues of international peace and security. regulatory framework and to ensure that PMSCs Other notable achievements that South Africa are held accountable for their activities. championed are: South Africa is also the current chair of • setting the UN members the target to celebrate the Adhoc Committee on the Elaboration of the 70th Anniversary of the UN in 2015, with Complementary Standards to the International a reformed, more inclusive, democratic and Convention for the Elimination of All Forms representative UNSC of Racial Discrimination aimed at combating • witnessing the birth of the new State of South contemporary forms of racism. Sudan. South Africa was one of 14 new Member The issue of Western Sahara remains an States elected to serve on the UN Human important challenge for the AU and for peace Rights Council (HRC) from January 2014 until and stability in the region. December 2016. The election coincided with the country’s celebration of its 20th year of UN Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc) democracy and reaffirmed its commitment to the Ecosoc is a premier organ of the UN responsible achievement of human rights for all its citizens, for economic and social development matters of the citizens of Africa, and the citizens of the the world. world. South Africa assumed membership of Ecosoc on 1 January 2013, giving the country UN-South Africa Strategic Cooperation an opportunity to be located at the centre of Framework (UNSCF) the debate on the global development agenda, The UN-South Africa Strategic Cooperation including the acceleration of the implementation Framework (UNSCF), 2013-17, is the overall of the MDGs. framework for the work of the UN system in South Africa. DIRCO and the UN Country Team UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural developed the SCF in 2012 through a participatory Organisation (Unesco) and consultative process. The SCF includes South Africa is an active participant in key the presentation of the situation in South Africa Unesco governance structures such as the overall, as reflected in the New Growth Path General Conference and the World Heritage (NGP), Government’s National Development Committee, and has previously served on the Plan (NDP): Vision for 2030, as well as the executive board. Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and Since its return to Unesco, South Africa has also the 2010 MDGs Country Report. These have ratified a number of Unesco conventions including informed the identification of four pillars of UN the Convention Concerning the Protection of the cooperation, which are: inclusive growth and World Cultural and Natural Heritage (July 1997), decent work; sustainable development; human Convention Against Discrimination in Education capabilities; and governance and participation. (March 2000), the International Convention In addition, a brief analysis of past cooperation Against Doping in Sport (November 2006) and the and lessons learned, including those identified in Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the 2009 Joint Evaluation of the Role and Contri- the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (December bution of the UN System in South Africa, and the 2006). planned results to be achieved by all partners South Africa also acceded to the Convention for in the South African context, with the UN contri- the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of butions indicated at the outcomes level. The Armed Conflict with Regulations for the Execution SCF also considers the role of South Africa on of the Convention (December 2003). National the continent and globally. interaction with Unesco’s various areas of work is coordinated through the South African National World Health Organisation (WHO) Commission for Unesco, whose secretariat is South Africa is one of the 194 member states that hosted by the Department of Basic Education. constitute the WHO. The country takes part in the annual World Health Assembly (WHA), which is UN Human Rights Council the WHO’s supreme decision-making body. South Africa played a leadership role in South Africa also takes part in the WHO’s several inter-governmental processes at the Regional Committee for Africa, which convenes UN pertaining to human rights and social annually after the WHA to reflect on the decisions development issues. It is also the current Chair taken at the WHA and plan for the following of the Open-ended Working Group on Private year’s WHA.

254 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

Through its participation in these structures, • Master Agreement on Extending Credit Facility South Africa contributes to setting international in Local Currency where the DBSA would norms and making decisions on key issues have to consider providing the other Member regarding global and public health. Banks, • Multilateral Letter of Credit Confirmation Group of 20 (G20) Facility Agreement, which will require the The 2014 G20 Brisbane Summit was the ninth DBSA to either guarantee performance against meeting of theG20 heads of government. It was the obligations to a South African exporter, or held in Queensland, Australia, in November in the event of South African imports 2014. Up to 4 000 delegates attended with • Multilateral Agreement on Infrastructure about 2 500 media representatives. The leaders Co-Financing for Africa of Mauritania, Myanmar, New Zealand, Senegal, • Multilateral Agreement on Green Economy Singapore and Spain were also invited to this Cooperation Co-Financing summit. European leaders expressed their • The establishment of the BRICS Business desire to support the recovery as the global Council and BRICS Think Tanks Council. economy moves beyond the global financial The BRICS grouping achieved another strategic crisis. Climate change was not included as milestone in February 2014, when the science, a subject for discussion at the summit. G20 technology and innovation (STI) ministers of the finance ministers and central bank governors five countries met in South Africa to formalise met several times in 2014. Sydney hosted and institutionalise cooperation in STI under the a meeting in February 2014 followed by a BRICS framework. meeting in Cairns, Queensland in September South Africa, as the previous Chair, successfully 2014. At the September meeting participating brought to fruition all the key outcomes adopted at countries agreed to automatically exchange tax the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban 2014. As such, information to reduce tax evasion. Canberra in Brazil, the Agreement establishing the New hosted a meeting for G20 finance and central Development Bank and the Treaty for the creation bank deputies in 2014. The Youth 20 Summit of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement was the official G20 youth event held in Sydney were signed. These agreements signal a in July 2014. A meeting of G20 trade ministers historic and seminal moment since the creation took place in Sydney during July, and the annual of the Bretton Woods international financial G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting architecture. The headquarters of the New was held in Melbourne during September 2014. Development Bank will be located in Shanghai, Officials-levels meetings of public servants took China and its Africa Regional Centre will be place throughout the year to prepare for the established in South Africa concurrently. Further ministerial meetings. significant initiatives in respect of strengthening In July 2014, DIRCO hosted Australia’s G20 intra-BRICS economic cooperation, included the Sherpa, Dr Heather Smith, in Pretoria where signing of the Memorandum of Understanding she met with her counterpart, South Africa’s on Cooperation among BRICS Export Credit G20 Sherpa, Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato- and Guarantees Agencies that will improve Diseko. Dr Smith will also delivered a keynote the support environment for increasing trade address on “The G20 and the future of global opportunities among the BRICS countries. In economic growth” organised by the University of BRICS, the member states are equal in access, South Africa (UNISA), DIRCO, the Institute for shareholding, and representation in leadership Global Dialogue (IGD) and the Australian High positions. Commission. Australia held the rotating G20 Presidency for India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) 2014. trade alliance The IBSA Dialogue Forum brings together three Brazil, Russia, India, China, South large pluralistic, multicultural and multiracial Africa trade alliance societies from three continents as a purely South Africa’s BRICS membership will help the South-South grouping of like-minded countries, country and the continent to address its socio- committed to inclusive sustainable development, economic challenges. in pursuit of the well-being for their peoples and Some of the BRICS achievements include the those of the developing world. The principles, following: norms and values underpinning the IBSA • BRICS Inter-Bank Cooperation Mechanism Dialogue Forum are participatory democracy, to which the Development Bank of Southern respect for human rights, the Rule of Law and Africa (DBSA) the strengthening of multilateralism.

255 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

The intra-IBSA trade is a clear indication of the In November 2014, the Commonwealth Science potential and success of IBSA as the initial trade Conference (CSC) was held in Bangalore, in India. target of US$ 25 billion by 2015 is likely to be This was be the first CSC for nearly 50. The goals overshot given the 2014 intra-IBSA trade figure of the conference were to celebrate excellence in of US$23 billion. IBSA has also partnered with Commonwealth science; to provide opportunities developing countries, especially least-developed for cooperation between researchers in different countries (LDCs) and post-conflict and Commonwealth countries; to inspire young reconstruction development (PCRD) countries scientists; and to build scientific capacity in the through the IBSA Facility for Hunger and Poverty developing nations within the Commonwealth. Alleviation (IBSA Fund) in development projects The scope of the meeting was broad and included that will benefit those countries. physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, IBSA continues to play its unique role as a engineering, and science policy. body bringing together three democracies of the The 60th Commonwealth Parliamentary South from three continents. Conference (CPC) was held in Yaoundé, The realisation of a trilateral alliance between Cameroon, in 2014. IBSA stems from three commonalities between The 2014 Commonwealth Games (officially the three countries, namely: all three countries the 20th Commonwealth Games) were held are vibrant democracies, they share common in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 3 August views on various global issues, and are 2014. substantial emerging economies within their On 10 March 2014, Commonwealth countries subregions. as symbol of their solidarity, celebrated Common- Apart from promoting South-South dialogue, wealth Day under the theme “Team Common- IBSA also fosters inter-regional cooperation. wealth”. The engagement process of the IBSA countries takes place on three levels, namely: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) heads of state and government, government-to- The Islamic Republic of Iran is chairing the NAM government and people-to-people cooperation. from 2012 to 2015. The NAM consists of 120 member states. It is the largest political grouping Indian Ocean Rim-Association for of countries outside the UN, making it an Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) important lobby group of developing countries in South Africa is one of the founding member global affairs. states of the IOR-ARC, which was launched in The next NAM Summit is scheduled to be held Mauritius in March 1997. There are 20 Indian in Venezuela during 2015. IOR member states. The objectives of IOR include promoting the G77 & China sustained growth and balanced development In June 2014, the Deputy Minister of Interna- of the region and of the member states, and tional Relations and Cooperation, Mr Luwellyn creating common ground for regional economic Landers, led a South African delegation at the cooperation. This also includes formulating and two-day summit on the 50th Anniversary of the implementing projects for economic cooperation G77 and China, taking place in Santa Cruz, relating to trade facilitation and liberation, Bolivia. promotion of foreign investment, academic, scientific and technological exchanges, tourism In April 2014, the Board of the Turquoise Harmony Insti- and the development of infrastructure and tute, awarded its Ubuntu Media Award to the Department human resources. of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) i Ubuntu Radio, South Africa’s first government-run, 24-hour, online radio station. The Turquoise Harmony Institute is an Commonwealth independent, non-profit non-governmental organisation The modern Commonwealth is a voluntary aimed at promoting inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue association of 54 independent member coun- and tolerance among people at grassroots level in South tries. Membership is diverse and includes Africa. According to the Institute, Ubuntu Radio is a vision- developed and developing countries in Africa, ary concept and idea, which has become an important Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and tool of DIRCO’s public diplomacy, which is to promote and the South Pacific. communicate South Africa’s foreign policy and disseminate Since rejoining the Commonwealth in 1994, information about South Africa across the world. In 2014, South Africa has interacted closely with the work the station also launched an “Ubuntu Radio Application for of the Commonwealth contributing politically, mobile devices (Blackberry & Android phones, etc.)” on its website www.ubunturadio.com and receive downloads from financially and in terms of capacity and expertise countries such as China, USA, UK, France, Lithuania, The to the work of the organisation. Netherlands, Canada, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

256 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

The Group of 77 (G77) was established on been achieved over the past three years as 15 June 1964 by 77 developing countries, guided by the Africa-EU Action Plan 2010-2013 signatories of the “Joint Declaration of the that was adopted at the third Africa-EU Summit Seventy-Seven Developing Countries” issued at in Tripoli, Libya, in November 2010. As was the the end of the first session of the UN Conference case with the Africa-EU Summits in 2007 and on Trade and Development, held in Geneva, 2010, South Africa played a meaningful role in Switzerland. Although the members of the G-77 the negotiations at the Senior Officials Meeting, have increased to 133 countries, including China and was active in the Ministerial Meeting. as the associate member, the original name was Three declarations were adopted at the retained due to its historic significance. summit, namely: the Brussels Declaration of the The G77 and China is the largest intergovern- Heads of State and Government, which is the mental organisation of developing countries in main outcome document for the fourth Africa-EU the UN system, and it provides the means for Summit; the Africa-EU Roadmap; and the countries of the South to promote their collective Declaration on Migration and Mobility. economic interests and enhance their joint In addition, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane held negotiating capacity on all major international bilateral consultations with her counterparts from economic issues within the UN system and Africa and Europe on the sidelines of the summit. promote South-South cooperation. As a member of the G77 and China, South Relations with southern Africa Africa participates in the work of the Group Angola to ensure its strength, unity and cohesion in South Africa and Angola continue to work pursuance of the vision of a fair and equitable together in maintaining peace, stability, regional multilateral system. integration and the promotion of the SADC Agenda. Both countries are still part of respec- International relations tively the SADC Troika and the SADC Organ on South Africa and Africa Politics, Defence and Security Troika. As South Africa undergoes its second transition, Angola is one of South Africa’s major trading Africa also continues to rise. Africa’s renaissance partners in Africa with almost 90% of Angolan will in years ahead be defined by the Africa exports to South Africa being petroleum-related Agenda 2063. products. In 2014, in the spirit of diversifying South In January 2014, President Jacob Zuma returned Africa’s trade and investment towards Africa, from a working visit to Luanda, Angola where he the Department of Trade and Industry created attended the Fifth Ordinary Summit of the Interna- 15 government-to-government platforms; tional Conference of the Great Lakes Region held 19 trade and outward investment (ICGLR) at the invitation of Angolan President missions; facilitated the signing of 11 enabling Jose Edouardo dos Santos, who assumed agreements; addressed market access barriers the chair of the ICGLR for a two-year period. (NTBs) in Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and Benin; The ICGLR Heads of State and Government and provided institutional and human capacity reviewed, among other things, progress made building initiatives with Angola, DRC, Ethiopia in the implementation of the “ICGLR Pact on and Nigeria in the area of standards and quality Security, Stability and Development in the Great assurance. Lakes Region” and the “UN Framework for Peace, In April 2014, the Minister of International Security and Cooperation for the DRC and the Relations and Cooperation led the South African Region.” The ICGLR leaders also focused on the delegation to the fourth Africa- EU Summit in current situation in the Central African Republic Brussels, Belgium, under the theme: “Investing (CAR) and South Sudan. The ICGLR leaders in People, Prosperity and Peace.” The summit committed to offering political and other forms of afforded Africa and Europe the opportunity support to the ongoing mediation efforts in South to strengthen political and socio-economic Sudan led by the Inter-Governmental Authority on cooperation between the two continents. The Development (IGAD). South Africa was requested thematic areas such as peace and security; trade to assist by intervening in the process of finding and investment; human development; and the an immediate solution and bring about peace future institutional and financial arrangements of in that country due to its experience in conflict the Africa-EU Partnership were discussed during resolution and national reconciliation. the summit deliberations. Other matters discussed at the ICGLR The Summit also afforded the leaders from Summit were on the implementation of the the two continents the opportunity to undertake ICGLR Humanitarian Trust Fund; the Lusaka a stocktaking of concrete deliverables that have Declaration on the Fight against Illegal Exploi-

257 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture tation of Natural Resources; the December 2011 The Lesotho Highlands Water Project has Kampala Declaration on the Fight against sexual been in operation for over 20 years and supplies gender-based violence (SGBV); the Protocol South Africa with about 780 million cubic meters on Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, of water a year. When fully operational, Phase 2 War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity and of the project will substantially increase the other Forms of Discrimination. Socio-economic volume of water supplied to South Africa. development and budgetary matters were also In July 2014, President Zuma undertook a discussed. working visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho. The visit took place within the context of strengthening Botswana bilateral relations between the two neighbouring South Africa hosted the inaugural session of countries. the BNC in November 2013. South Africa and In September 2014 President Zuma, undertook Botswana cooperate on a wide range of areas, another working visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho. including transport, trade and investment, health, The visit follows the Ministerial Committee of the education, environmental affairs, water, science Organ meeting in August 2014 as well as the and technology, agriculture, justice, immigration, President’s meeting with the coalition leaders in energy, finance, culture, security, and sport. September 2014 in Pretoria. During the visit, the In October 2014, the Minister of International President consulted with His Majesty King Letsie Relations and Cooperation, on behalf of the Chair III and also held discussions with the coalition of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security leaders to assess the progress in the implemen- Cooperation, President Jacob Zuma, declared tation of the Windhoek Declaration as well as the SADC Electoral Observation Mission to the other SADC Decisions. Republic of Botswana officially launched. President Zuma called for a sitting of the SADC In November 2014, President Zuma, undertook Double Troika Summit plus the DRC and the a working visit to the Republic of Botswana. United Republic of Tanzania, in September 2014 The two delegations took advantage of the in Pretoria. The purpose of the SADC Double Second Session of the South Africa-Botswana Troika Summit was to consider the political Bi-National Commission (BNC) to review the developments in the SADC region, particularly state of cooperation between South Africa and the political and security situation in the Kingdom Botswana. of Lesotho and the DRC. In the same month, the Minister of Interna- In the same month, SADC facilitator, Deputy tional Relations and Cooperation, attended the President Cyril Ramaphosa, concluded his first second Bi-National Commission (BNC) between official visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho as part South Africa Botswana, in Gaborone. of regional efforts to assist the people of the country to find a peaceful resolution to their Democratic Republic of Congo current challenges. In September 2014, President Jacob Zuma, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Malawi Security and Defence, called for a sitting of the South Africa and Malawi share strong historical SADC Double Troika Summit plus the DRC and political, economic and cultural ties and warm the United Republic of Tanzania in Pretoria. The relations in the context of regional integration purpose of the SADC Double Troika Summit is and intra-Africa trade. to consider the latest political developments in In May 2014, President Zuma congratulated the SADC region, particularly the political and Mr Peter Mutharika, President-elect of the security situation in the DRC. Republic of Malawi, on his successful election.

Lesotho Mozambique Bilateral cooperation between South Africa In September 2014, President Jacob Zuma, and Lesotho includes trade and investment, welcomed the signing of the peace agreement security, energy, transport, agriculture, tourism between the President of Mozambique and the and water. leader of RENAMO. President Zuma commended With South Africa being Lesotho’s only President Guebuza and the RENAMO leader, Mr neighbour, the economies of the two countries Afonso Dhlakama, for their commitment to the are interdependent. South African companies principles of democracy by signing the agreement, have a significant presence in Lesotho and are thereby setting aside political differences and involved in various sectors such as housing, ensuring full participation by Mozambicans in the food and beverages, construction, retail, hotels 15 October 2014 presidential, parliamentary and and leisure, banking, and medical services. regional assembly elections.

258 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

The SADC Electoral Observation Mission A bilateral agreement between Swaziland and (SEOM) to the Republic of Mozambique for the South Africa provides a mechanism for the two 2014 general elections was launched in October countries to cooperate in areas of mutual benefit, 2014, in Maputo. ensuring that healthy relations are maintained and further developed. Namibia The economies of South Africa and Namibia Tanzania are interlinked with South Africa being one of South Africa established formal diplomatic Namibia’s major trading partners. relations with Tanzania in 1994, immediately Namibia imports 80% of its consumables from after attaining its freedom. The bilateral South Africa. South African companies have relations have been characterised by high-level a large presence in Namibia and are involved interaction between the two countries aimed in various sectors such as housing, food and at consolidating and strengthening political, beverages, construction, hotels and leisure, economic and social cooperation. South Africa banking, and medical services. is one of the top 10 major investors in Tanzania South Africa and Namibia enjoy strong and and accounts for approximately 10% of total fraternal relations that are characterised by investment in Tanzania. South African exports regular and increasing interaction at all levels. are concentrated predominantly in the areas of In November 2014, following the proclamation of manufacturing, including machinery, mechanical the date for the 2014 Presidential and National appliances, paper, rubber products, vehicles, Assembly elections and the subsequent invitation iron and steel, services and technology. by the Electoral Commission of Namibia to In October 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa President Zuma, the Chairperson of the SADC visited Tanzania for consultation with Tanzanian Organ on Politics, Defence and Security President Jakaya Kikwete on the South Sudanese Cooperation, who mandated the SADC Executive peace process. Secretary, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, to constitute the SADC Electoral Observer Mission Zambia (SEOM) to the Republic of Namibia. To this end, South Africa and Zambia maintain solid the SEOM arrived in Windhoek, Namibia in line economic cooperation as evidenced by the with the provisions of the SADC Principles and presence of several South African companies Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. Prior in Zambia. Improved cooperation in a variety of to deployment of the SEOM, a pre-deployment areas such as air services and infrastructural assessment mission was undertaken by the development present economic opportu- SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) to nities to the South African private sector and ascertain the readiness and preparedness of parastatals. the country in holding the elections. Based on In October 2014, President Zuma, sent a the assessment, the SEOM was launched on 10 message of condolences to the Government November 2014, by the Minister of International and people of the Republic of Zambia following Relations and Cooperation and Head of SEOM to the passing of President Michael Chilufya the Republic of Namibia. By November 2104, the Sata. President Sata belongs to the generation SEOM had deployed 95 observers constituted of leaders produced by Zambia during the into 23 teams in all the 14 regions of Namibia. colonial times and gallantly pursued the President Jacob Zuma extended his congratu- anti-colonial struggle. His death reminds the lations to Dr Hage Geingob on his election as people of South Africa of Zambia’s immeas- President of the Republic of Namibia following urable sacrifice and the sterling leadership the country’s presidential and legislative elections role that Zambia played in ridding the African that were held on 28 November 2014. continent of the yoke of colonial domination and apartheid rule. Swaziland The Kingdom of Swaziland and South Africa Zimbabwe share common borders and have very strong South Africa and Zimbabwe have a common common cultural links. Since South Africa’s and long history of regional affiliation and re-entry to the Commonwealth, relations have cultural ties. Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s been conducted at high-commissioner level. main trade partners in Africa and several South Both countries are members of key African companies operate in Zimbabwe in sub-regional, regional and international organi- sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture, sations, including the Sacu, the SADC, the AU, banking, manufacturing and retail. the Commonwealth and the UN.

259 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

Uganda Indian Ocean islands Relations between South Africa and Uganda date South Africa’s political, economic and diplomatic back to the time of the struggle against apartheid relations with the Comoros, Madagascar, when Uganda provided support to and solidarity Mauritius and Seychelles remain strong. with the South African liberation movement. In December 2014, the Minister of International Bilateral cooperation between the countries Relations and Cooperation launched the SADC includes trade and investment, defence and Election Observer Mission in Port Louis, Republic security, agriculture, water and environmental of Mauritius. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane affairs, social development, public works and represented President Zuma, Chairperson of the science and technology. SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Kenya South Africa and Kenya occupy key roles in their Relations with central Africa respective regions on the continent. Relations Gabon between the two countries were upgraded to full South Africa and Gabon have a legal framework diplomatic status on 12 April 1994. through a cooperation agreement. The Sixth Ordinary Summit of the ICGLR will take place in the Republic of Kenya on 15 Democratic Republic of São Tomé and December 2015. Príncipe Diplomatic relations between São Tomé and Ethiopia Príncipe and South Africa were established in In October 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa May 1994. visited Addis Ababa, where he held talks with major stakeholders to the peace process in Republic of the Congo South Sudan, including the Chairperson of the In February 2014, the Republic of the Congo AUC, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Ethiopian bestowed its Order of Merit on Mathews Phoza Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and at a ceremony in Brazzaville occurring during South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar. the 25th anniversary celebrations of the signing The visit to Addis Ababa was preceded by of the Brazzaville peace accord, which paved another to South Sudan, which saw Deputy the way for the end of the Angolan civil war and President Ramaphosa meeting with South Namibia attaining independence. Sudanese President Salva Kirr in Juba. In February 2014, President Jacob Zuma, Bilateral economic relations with Ethiopia at the invitation of President Dennis Sassou- were revived in 1995, when South Africa N’guesso, President of the Republic of Congo, opened an embassy in Addis Ababa. The undertook a working visit to Brazzaville. two countries have a number of bilateral President Zuma attended the celebrations of agreements in place that establish a regulatory the 25th Anniversary of the Signature of the framework to facilitate political, economic and Brazzaville Accord on Peace in Southern Africa. social interaction such as an agreement on the The occasion marked the end of the Brazzaville avoidance of double taxation. The umbrella negotiations, which ended the Angolan civil war agreement provides for the establishment of with the signing of the Brazzaville Protocol on 22 a Joint Ministerial Commission that will meet December 1988, and prepared the ground for the every two years. independence of Namibia and ultimately South Africa. South Africa continues to enjoy cordial bilateral relations with the Republic of Congo. In March 2014, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation lead a delegation to the 2014 Nuclear Security The formal relations between the two countries Summit (NSS) in The Hague. Building on the 2010 Wash- are structured through the Joint Commission of i ington and 2012 Seoul Summits, the main objective of The Cooperation (JCC) as a mechanism to monitor Hague Summit was to review progress achieved since and guide the implementation of agreements. the NSS process started in 2010 and to contribute to the strengthening of nuclear security through stronger national Equatorial Guinea measures and improved international cooperation. South In June 2014, President Zuma concluded a Africa’s participation in the NSS process is informed by the working visit to Equatorial Guinea, where he led shared vision of a world free of weapons of mass destruc- the South African delegation to the 23rd Ordinary tion, and in particular nuclear weapons. The 2014 Nuclear Security Summit took place within this broader framework Session of the AU Assembly (AU Summit) under of South Africa’s triple objectives of nuclear disarmament, the theme: “2014 Year of Agriculture and Food nuclear non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear Security in Africa.” An emerging issue identified energy. by the AU leaders was the need for young people

260 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

to appreciate the importance of agriculture in the In October 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State economy of their countries. African leaders also of Eritrea and the Embassy of South Africa in Asmara noted with concern that women are still involved hosted the launch of the Eritrea – South Africa Festival i (ERISA) The event took place with the theme “People, in subsistence farming. Women must take the lead in agriculture and contribute to this growing Liberation and Development.” This launch event paved the way for a range of activities in Eritrea to celebrate 10 years economic activity, which is vital for dealing with since the establishment of the Embassy of South Africa in food security. Asmara. The planned range of activities included ERISA The AU Heads of State and Government films, public lectures, handicraft/design/fashion event, food also discussed peace and security matters, and music festival, and a mining seminar. Activities were in particular the mobilisation of resources arranged jointly with a number of institutions, such as the and operationalisation of the African Capacity Eritrean Institute of Technology, the Marine Sciences Col- for Immediate Crisis (ACIRC). In this regard, lege of Massawa, the Eritrean National Mining Corporation, countries that have volunteered to contribute the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice’s Political, resources to the ACIRC met during the summit to Cultural and Economics departments, EriTV, the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, as well as the discuss the state of readiness of the ACIRC. The National Union of Eritrean Women. AU Summit took decisions on key issues on the agenda pertaining to development, peace and operation – the UN Multidimensional Integrated security, climate change and the mobilisation of Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic resources. The finalisation of the Agenda 2063 (MINUSCA) – to protect civilians and facilitate Continental Framework, as part of the vision humanitarian access in the war-torn country. of Africa in the next 50 years and the Common The mission took over the responsibilities African Position on the Post-2015 Development of the African-led International Support Agenda, were part of the outcomes of the Mission (MISCA) from September 2014. The summit. establishment of the new UN mission would mark a new step in the international community’s Cameroon efforts to assist the CAR overcome the Cameroon is the economic hub of the Central challenges confronting it. African Region and exports commodities to In particular, MISCA, with the support of the most countries of the zone. The seaport of French Operation ‘Sangaris’ and the planned Doulla in Cameroon is used to export goods EUFOR-RCA, would continue to lead the ongoing to landlocked countries in the region such as efforts to complete the initial stabilisation phase, Chad and the Central Africa Republic (CAR). building on the significant progress made on the Many South African companies have already ground, so as to create conditions conducive to seized business opportunities there. Cameroon the success of MINUSCA. is a member of the AU, has adopted Nepad programmes and subscribes to the MDGs. In Burundi pursuit of South Africa’s regional economic In November 2014, President Jacob Zuma integration and developmental agenda for the hosted President Pierre Nkurunziza of the Republic continent, Cameroon has been identified as a of Burundi who undertook a two-day State Visit to strategic partner. South Africa. This was President Nkurunziza’s first State Visit to South Africa since his assumption of Guinea office in 2005. The visit enhanced existing cordial The Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) relations between South Africa and Burundi. South between the Republic of Guinea and South Africa actively supported Burundi’s quest for peace Africa, took place at the OR Tambo Building, and democracy. Pretoria, in April 2014. South Africa enjoys a President Zuma took over from President long-standing relationship with the Government Nelson Mandela in 2000 as the mediator in the and the people of Guinea, solidified by the Burundi peace talks. Then Deputy President unconditional support that the people of Guinea Zuma led the protracted but successful mediation extended to the people of South Africa during process, which led to a resolution of the Burundi the time of the struggle against apartheid. conflict and the ushering of a new government in 2005. The highlights of the mediation process led Central African Republic by President Zuma included a key achievement In April 2014, the AU welcomed the establishment for the African continent, the deployment of of a UN peacekeeping operation in the CAR. South African peacekeeping troops in Burundi The UNSC adopted a resolution during the for seven years, 2003 to 2009. same month authorising the establishment This became the first-ever AU peacekeeping of a nearly 12 000-strong UN peacekeeping force. To turn this historic bond into stronger socio-

261 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture economic ties, President Zuma and President assistance to the Saharawi Arab Democratic Nkurunziza discussed further cooperation in Republic. Under the African Renaissance Fund priority areas such as trade, health, arts and (ARF) South Africa coordinates several projects culture, mining, agriculture, higher education that aim to benefit the Saharawi population. and defence. Two bilateral agreements were These include a contribution to a landmine signed during the visit. A South Africa-Burundi clearance project in the east of the territory and Business Forum aimed at increasing trade and construction of a sport development complex in investment between the two countries met in the territory. Cape Town during the visit. South Africa’s international solidarity and The two Presidents used the occasion of support for the self-determination of Western the State Visit to exchange views in respect of Sahara is based on the following principles: developments at regional level, both with regard • The principles of multilateralism and interna- to the East African Community and the SADC, tional legality in seeking a just, lasting and as well as discussed broad issues affecting the mutually acceptable political solution, which continent within the context of the AU. They also will provide for the self-determination of the discussed enhanced cooperation in dealing people of Western Sahara. with multilateral issues such as reform of global • The centrality of the AU and UN in the institutions of governance such as the UNSC resolution of the conflict. and the Bretton Woods Institutions. • The Constitutive Act of the AU, in particular the principle of the sanctity of inherited colonial Rwanda borders in Africa and the right of peoples of In March 2014, the South African Government former colonial territories to self-determination expelled four Rwandan diplomats and one from and independence. Burundi for violating their status. Investigations • Respect of international human rights law in revealed direct links between these diplomats the occupied territories, notable the right to and criminal activities. The action targeted only freedom of association, assembly, movement those who violated the Vienna Convention, and expression. Article 41 and South Africa’s own Diplomatic • Respect of international humanitarian law Immunities and Privileges Act. The Ambassador and support for the provision of humanitarian of Rwanda, the Military Attaché and other assistance to the Saharawi refugees in a way functionaries in the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission that is predictable, sustainable and timely. in Pretoria are in place and functioning normally. • An end to the illegal exploration and exploi- Regrettably, the Rwandan Government tation of the natural resources of Western reciprocated disproportionately by expelling all Sahara in the illegally occupied territory and South African diplomats except the Ambassador the discouragement of the involvement of thus making the work of the mission in Rwanda foreign companies in such activities. difficult as it cannot discharge its services that • Support for the integration and stability of the South Africans and Rwandans normally receive. Maghreb Union as a building block of the AU.

Relations with North and West Africa Mauritania and the Horn of Africa In August 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa, Algeria represented President Jacob Zuma at the South Africa and Algeria continue to work inauguration ceremony of the President- hand-in-hand in building a stronger AU and its Elect, Mahomed Ould Abdel Aziz, of the structures. To this end, regional developments Islamic Republic of Mauritania, in Nouakchott, such as the Mali and CAR crises and the general Mauritania. The inauguration ceremony was the security situation in the Sahel and Maghreb culmination of the 21 June 2014 elections that regions also featured prominently in the consul- saw the incumbent President re-elected for a tations with President Bouteflika. second term with more that 80% majority vote. In May 2014, the Minister of International South Africa made a constructive contribution Relations and Cooperation attended the in Mauritania in support of the implementation Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial of the democratic roadmap undertaken by Conference, in Algiers, Algeria. the military transitional government following the coup d’état of August 2005. These efforts Saharawi contributed to the restoration of constitutional Formal diplomatic relations were established at order and stability in Mauritania leading to ambassador level in 2004. South Africa continues South Africa’s support for the lifting of the AU to render political support and humanitarian suspension of the country on 10 April 2007.

262 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

In terms of economic relations, progress has In February 2014, the International Solidarity Conference on been recorded between the two countries in Cuba, Western Sahara and Palestine, hosted by the Parlia- the areas of fisheries and mining. In addition, i ment of South Africa, took place at the Good Hope Chamber. the Economic Cooperation Agreement that was ready for signature would facilitate the opening Army. South Africa views the signing of the of trade and investment opportunities for the two agreements as key developments in resolving countries. the political differences in South Sudan and President Abdel Ould Aziz appointed a special crucial moves to bring the country back onto the envoy to represent him during the inauguration road to development and stability. of President Jacob Zuma on 24 May 2014. In March 2014, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Special Envoy to South Sudan, Egypt concluded his visit to South Sudan and some South Africa and Egypt have created a political countries that are part of the Inter-Governmental environment that is conducive to business. The Authority on Development (IGAD) involved in the visit to Egypt in February 2014, conducted by a efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict South African delegation came to reflect a notable in South Sudan. The the Deputy President change in South Africa’s position on Egypt and undertook this visit to familiarise himself with its revolution, and to contain the tension in the the unfolding events in South Sudan and to relations between the two countries. It aims to meet with key role-players. To this end, Mr restore the historic relationship and to develop Ramaphosa met with the President of South bilateral relations without excluding the other Sudan, Mr Salva Kiir Mayardit, cabinet ministers, party. leaders of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement The major expected change in this regard (SPLM) and other stake holders. is South Africa’s approval of Egypt’s return to Mr Ramaphosa also paid courtesy calls on its position in the AU to restore its role in the President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Prime different African organisations. Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia and South Africa’s total exports to Egypt by the end Ambassador Seymour who facilitated the South of 2014 reached R973 million, whereas imports Sudanese talks on behalf of the IGAD. from Egypt recorded R659 million at the end of In December 2014, President Zuma, hosted the 2014. South Africa’s exports to and imports from President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Egypt are mainly mineral products and prepared Kiir Mayardit, who undertook a working visit to foodstuffs. South Africa within the context of consolidating the African Agenda through the enhancement Côte d’Ivoire and deepening of bilateral political, economic South Africa is committed to working with the and social relations. government of Côte d’Ivoire in its quest for The visit was aimed at strengthening the national unity and reconciliation. already existing cordial relations between South Africa and South Sudan, which are anchored on South Sudan the agreement establishing bilateral relations, South Sudan and South Africa upgraded the signed in September 2011. missions in their respective capitals to fully Since the signing of the Comprehensive fledged embassies. By January 2014, South Peace Agreement in 2005, South Africa has Africa had trained more than 1 600 government been actively supportive of AU Post-Conflict officials from South Sudan as part of a capacity- Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) building programme within the context of the AU projects in both Sudan and South Sudan under PCRD initiative. the umbrella of the AU Ministerial Committee on Various engagements with senior Sudanese and PCRD, which South Africa chairs. South Sudanese officials to discuss the negotiation By 2014, and as part of a capacity-building process illustrated South Africa’s ongoing support programme taking place within the context of to the AU negotiations between Sudan and South the AUPCRD, more than 1 600 officials from Sudan over post-independence issues. the Government of South Sudan have been In January 2014, the South African Government trained by the Government of South Africa. The welcomed the signing of Agreements on the training ranges across a spectrum of fields such Cessation of Hostilities and the Status of as policing, justice, communications and foreign Detainees, under the auspices of the Intergov- services. ernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), by With regard to bilateral trade, South Sudan the Government of the Republic of South Sudan represents a growing export market for South and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/ African goods into the Horn of Africa.

263 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

The two Presidents used the occasion to Commission for Cooperation (JCC), early in exchange views on the latest developments on 2013. the continent and globally. President Kiir briefed President Zuma on the ongoing peace process Senegal in South Sudan, which is facilitated by the South Africa and Senegal continue to play Intergovernmental Authority for Development an important role in promoting peace and (IGAD). stability through participating in peacekeeping operations in their regions. Somalia In January 2013, South Africa pledged its Tunisia support for Somalia’s new government and the In January 2014, the South African Government country on its road towards a prosperous and congratulated the people of the Republic of stable democracy. Tunisia on the adoption of their new constitution. Three years since the revolution of 14 January Nigeria 2011, and just over two years since the start of Nigeria is considered one of South Africa’s most their mandate, the elected representatives of important partners in pursuing the vision of African the people of Tunisia have shown the world the renewal. As two of the strongest economies in value of dialogue, consultation and consensus. Africa, cooperation between the two countries is Despite many challenges to the security pivotal to the growth of the continent. and stability of the country and the region, The South African Government sympathised the people, elected officials and government with the next of kin, relatives, friends and of Tunisia have remained steadfast in their communities of the deceased South Africans determination to reach this significant milestone who lost their lives at the Synagogue Church of in their quest for the establishment of a all Nations in Lagos, Nigeria, on 12 September democratic dispensation. 2014. DIRCO arranged that the mortal remains South Africa remains committed to support were brought to South Africa on a single flight democratic transition in Africa as well as in the properly equipped for this task. Government Middle East and North African regions through identified appropriate facilities where the mortal sharing of its own experiences of its own remains were taken to upon arrival; and it was democratic transition 20 years ago. at these facilities where families received the mortal remains. Relations with Asia and the Middle East The People’s Republic of China Ghana South Africa and China have enjoyed 16 years South Africa participated in a National Pavilion at of formal diplomatic relations. the Ghana International Trade Fair in 2014. South Africa is China’s largest trading partner in Africa and the bilateral trade volume accounts Burkina Faso for more than a quarter of China-Africa trade. South Africa and Burkina Faso are working According to the Beijing Declaration, China on a draft MoU on economic and technical and South Africa will work together to improve cooperation, and a draft agreement between the the structure of bilateral trade by encouraging Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina the trade of high value-added manufactured Faso and Business Unity South Africa. goods and increasing China’s investment in In October 2014, the Government of South South Africa. Africa expressed its concern the ongoing political The two sides will continue to deepen their developments in the Republic of Burkina Faso. cooperation in infrastructure development, South Africa joined the call made by the AU on including the construction of roads, railways, the Government of Burkina Faso to respect the ports, power plants, airports and housing. wishes of the people, as well as the prevailing China and African countries have pledged to Constitution of the Republic of Burkina Faso. ensure the full implementation of the proposals South Africa reminded all those involved in enshrined in the Beijing Action Plan 2013 to the developments in Burkina Faso of the AU’s 2015 of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation position of rejecting unconstitutional changes of (FOCAC). government. South Africa has taken over co-chairmanship of the FOCAC from Egypt, on behalf of Africa, Cape Verde for the next six years. The forum is one of the Bilateral discussions on a General Cooperation most strategic partnerships between Africa and Agreement, lead to the signing of a Joint its development partners.

264 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

The sixth Ministerial Conference of the In December 2014, the Deputy Minister of International Rela- FOCAC will be held in Johannesburg, South tions and Cooperation of South Africa, Mr. Luwellyn Landers, Africa in 2015. attended the 100th Session of the African Caribbean and i Pacific (ACP) Group Ministerial Council Meeting in Brussels. In September 2014, the Minister Interna- tional Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite This historic session of the ACP considered the final report on the future perspectives of the 79-member strong ACP Group. Nkoana-Mashabane, went to Beijing, People’s Changing global circumstances have dictated that the group Republic of China, to co-chair the first meeting reinvents itself and carve a new, dynamic independent iden- of the South Africa-China Inter-Ministerial tity. The meeting also served as a platform for an exchange Joint Working Group on Cooperation. During of ideas on poverty eradication and sustainable development the State visit to South Africa by President XI within the rubrics of on-going debates for a Post-2015 Devel- Jinping in March 2013, the “Terms of Reference opment Agenda and a Climate Change compact. of the South Africa-China Inter-Ministerial Joint Working Group on Cooperation” were signed. South Africa in March 2013, when the two leaders The objectives of the Joint Working Group on agreed to designate 2014 as the “Year of South Cooperation were to monitor the implemen- Africa in China” and 2015 as the “Year of China tation of cooperative projects, manage and in South Africa.” The “Year of South Africa in solve challenges, which may arise during the China” coincided with South Africa’s celebration implementation of such projects and further of 20 years of freedom and democracy. elevate bilateral economic relations through the The overall objective of the “Year of South deepening of practical cooperation. Africa in China” 2014, was to profile South South Africa-China bilateral relations have Africa’s political, economic, social and cultural enjoyed phenomenal progress in the space of achievements since the advent of a first 15 years and have grown from a partnership democratic government in South Africa in 1994. to a strategic partnership and subsequently to The year also sought to explore more economic a comprehensive strategic partnership. South opportunities and also showcase South Africa’s Africa and China have committed to building, innovations and best practices in various sectors developing and strengthening relations based on such as science and technology, mining, arts and shared principles of friendship and mutual trust; culture, tourism and people to people interaction. equality and mutual benefit; coordination; mutual South Africa and China share a sound political learning; and working together for development. relationship, which can be used to lay the basis The objectives of the Joint Working Group on for implementing South Africa’s economic Cooperation are to: objectives. China has become South Africa’s • achieve a more equitable trade balance single largest trading partner in the world, and • encourage trade in manufactured value-added South Africa has become China’s largest trading products partner in Africa. • increase inward-bound trade and investment Some of the objectives of President Zuma’s missions State Visit to China were to: • finalise the working group on trade statistics • review the status of bilateral relations with the • increase investment in South Africa’s manufac- People’s Republic of China to ensure that the turing industry strategic relationship already defined is further • promote value-adding and beneficiation strengthened, focussing on the priority issues activities in close proximity to the source of of development in South Africa and Africa raw materials • adopt the China-South Africa 5-10 Year • cooperate and provide mutually beneficial Framework on Cooperation that will further technical support in the areas of the green entrench the implementation of agreements economy, skills development and industrial entered into since the conclusion of the financing Beijing Declaration in 2010 and expand on the • pursue opportunities to cooperate in Comprehensive Strategic Partnership infrastructure construction projects such as • discuss ways of supporting our industri- roads, railways, ports, power generation, alisation agenda by agreeing to invest in the airports and housing. development of Science and Technology, The overall aim of South Africa’s approach was agro-processing; mining and mineral benefi- to use this mechanism to address inequality, ciation, renewable energy, finance and tourism poverty and unemployment, through enhancing • review progress in the locomotive procurement bilateral economic relations. project, particularly cooperation in equipment In December 2014, President Jacob Zuma manufacturing and the localisation of was on a State Visit to the People’s Republic of procurement through joint ventures with South China. President Xi Jinping paid a State Visit to African companies

265 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

• review progress with cooperation on relationship is on economic and business links. infrastructure development The ROK is South Africa’s fourth-largest • ensure that relations with China remain central trading partner in Asia, while South Africa is the to realising South Africa’s developmental ROK’s largest trading partner in Africa. Trade agenda through its foreign policy between the two countries encompasses a wide • continue to partner with China in addressing variety of products ranging from minerals to Africa’s developmental agenda through sophisticated high-technology electric products. co-chairship of FOCAC until 2018. In October 2014, the Deputy Minister Interna- The establishment of the BRICS Development tional Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindiya Bank in 2014 to be headquartered in Shanghai Mfeketo, undertook a working visit to the ROK. and the decision to locate its African Regional Deputy Minister Mfeketo co-chair the eighth Centre in South Africa not only raised the level Policy Consultative Forum together with the of cooperation between China and South Africa Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the ROK, in addressing global challenges, but it was LEE Kyung-soo, in Seoul, Korea. another clear indicator of South Africa’s growing Its national interests and priorities, its regional significance in driving the African Agenda. and continental commitments, as well as its China regards South Africa as a key partner in aspirations for a prosperous world at peace with advancing its relations with Africa. While the two itself informed South Africa’s participation in the countries are strikingly different in their cultural, Policy Consultative Forum. During the Policy political and socio-economic orientation, they Consultative Forum, Deputy Minister Mfeketo are very close in the positions they take on key conveyed the priorities of the Government issues affecting mankind. Both appreciate the of South Africa as outlined in the National importance of strengthening cooperation based Development Plan (NDP), South Africa’s on respect for each other’s core values and roadmap to eliminate poverty and reduce interests. inequality by 2030. South Africa and the ROK share similar views on the importance of multilat- Mongolia eralism. The ROK provides ongoing support for South Africa and Mongolia could work together the continued development of Africa through to meet that country’s international commitments the Korea-Africa Forum. The next Korea-Africa on climate change. Forum is scheduled for 2015. Mongolia’s vast coal reserves offer an Korea is South Africa’s fourth largest trading opportunity for collaboration on clean coal partner in Asia and South Africa is Korea’s technologies. South Africa’s coal-to-liquid largest trading partner in Africa. Korea enjoyed technology would mitigate and possibly reduce a favourable trade balance with South Africa in the country’s contribution to greenhouse gases. 2013 – approximately R6,1 billion. Total trade in 2013 was R30,2 billion, with South African exports East Asia to Korea in the region of R12,1, and South African Japan imports from Korea in the region of R18,1 billion. In 2014, Japan and South Africa celebrated 104 years of official relations. Japan is South Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Africa’s third-largest trading partner with the two (DPRK) countries cooperating in various fields such as South Africa established diplomatic relations training and skills development. with the DPRK in August 1998. The two The Tokyo International Conference on African countries enjoy cordial relations, which date Development (TICAD) is a strategic partnership back due to the historic support that the DPRK between Africa and Japan that was launched provided during the struggle against colonialism in 1993, with a view to serve as a consultative and apartheid. The South African ambassador to forum for development assistance to Africa. China is also accredited to the DPRK’s capital, In September 2014, President Zuma conveyed Pyongyang. a message of condolence to the Government Economic relations between the two countries and people of Japan, following the loss of life of remain limited owing to the sanctions imposed Japanese hikers because of the volcano eruption by the UNSC because of the DPRK’s nuclear at Mount Ontake on 27 September 2014. programme, which affects the ongoing tension in the Korean Peninsula. Republic of Korea (ROK) Formal diplomatic relations between South Africa Central Asia and the ROK were established in December There is no South African representation in 1992. Increasingly the focus of the bilateral Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and

266 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

Kyrgystan, but the South African ambassador • youth empowerment in Turkey is accredited to these countries on a • technology transfer non-resident basis. • rural economy and agriculture • infrastructure, energy, ICT and transport Kazakhstan The summit was preceded by a ministerial Kazakhstan and South Africa established and senior government officials meetings diplomatic relations in March 1992. The South whose recommendations served as a basis African Embassy in Kazakhstan was opened for discussions and decision-making by heads in December 2003 in Almaty, and relocated to of states and government culminating in the Astana in February 2008. adoption of the summit declaration. Deputy South Africa and Kazakhstan have substantial President Ramaphosa also held several bilateral economic interests, which overlap in several discussions on the margins of the summit. important areas such as trade, the production and collaborative marketing of strategic minerals, South Asia technology exchange, machine production, as South Africa’s economic strategy is strongly well as oil procurement for South Africa. focused on deepening trade and investment linkages with the south, particularly with Azerbaijan countries that offer potential for future growth Diplomatic relations between South Africa and and where synergies and complementaries in Azerbaijan were established in 1991. products and technologies exist. The South African Embassy in Ankara, In South Asia, South Africa enjoys cordial Turkey, is accredited on a non-residential basis to relations with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan opened a new embassy in Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and the Maldives. South Africa in January 2012. In February 2014, the Minister of International India Relations and Cooperation hosted the Minister South Africa and India enjoy strong historical of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, relations that have been formalized through Mr Elmar Mammadyarov. The objectives of various bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. The the visit were to strengthen bilateral political two countries share membership of multilateral and economic relations as well as cooperation groupings such as BRICS, IBSA and the G20. in defence, energy, education and skills In May 2014, President Zuma congratulated the development. The visit was the first official visit Prime Minister-elect of India, Mr Narendra Modi, of an Azerbaijan Foreign Minister to South Africa. on his successful election.

Turkey Pakistan South Africa’s major exports to Turkey comprise Pakistan and South Africa enjoy cordial, bilateral mineral products, base metals, machinery and relations. mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, South Africa views Pakistan as an important chemical and allied products, vehicles, aircraft, role-player in the international arena and South iron and steel, organic chemicals, ores, slag and Africa welcomes the strengthening of democracy ash. in Pakistan. South Africa has identified In November 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa additional avenues of cooperation regarding attended the second Africa-Turkey Summit in law enforcement issues, an Extradition Treaty, Equatorial Guinea. The summit took place around an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in the theme “New Model of partnership for the Criminal Matters, an MoU on Cooperation in strengthening of sustainable development and Combating the Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics, integration” discussed among other key issues, Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor the matrix of the key projects, an implementation Chemicals. plan as well as summit outcomes declaration. While Africa proposed a number of projects for Sri Lanka consideration, the key focus of the Africa-Turkey Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and South matrix projects is focused on the following areas: Africa has seen a steady increase in growth in • peace and security looking into counter- both exports and imports. terrorism and the training of national police In July 2014, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa forces was in Sri Lanka for an official visit in his capacity • trade and investment focussing on capacity as special envoy of President Zuma. The Deputy building President’s visit to Sri Lanka follows two earlier • culture, tourism and education visits to South Africa by senior delegations from

267 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture both the Sri Lankan Government and the Tamil importance of BRICS to Singapore as there are National Alliance respectively in February and areas that the two countries can collaborate on April 2014. Both these delegations also met within the context of BRICS. Deputy President Ramaphosa and invited him to The Deputy Minister concluded her visit visit Sri Lanka. with a luncheon with the Singapore Business Federation. South-East Asia In Indonesia, Deputy Minister Mfeketo delivered Strengthening South-South relations remains an the inaugural Sheik Yusuf Memorial Lecture at important pillar of South African’s foreign policy, the Sultan Hasanuddin University in Makassar. especially in Asia, a region that has surpassed The aim of the lecture was to celebrate 20 years the EU as the country’s biggest trading partner. of freedom in South Africa and the relevance of Sheikh Yusuf to the bilateral relations between Thailand South Africa and Indonesia. It is hoped that During the past two decades, Thailand has the lecture will become a key annual event become South Africa’s biggest trading partner during which South Africa and Indonesia can in Southeast Asia and South Africa has become demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthen Thailand’s biggest trading partner on the and sustain the enduring historical relations that continent. exist between the two countries. Thailand is also the second most important Whilst in Indonesia, the Deputy Minister also destination for South African tourists. held a meeting with the Deputy Governor of South Sulawesi, Mr Arisin Numang. During the Malaysia meeting, the province of South Sulawesi was Malaysia remains the largest investor in South congratulated on the re-election of Mr Yusuf Africa from the Southeast Asian region. Kalla as Vice-President of Indonesia, who is Since 1994, Malaysia has assisted more than from Makassar. The Deputy Minister used 300 South Africans in their studies that range from the opportunity to encourage members of the short courses to full scholarships for degrees in Indonesian private sector to consider South engineering and information technology. Africa as a destination of choice for investment, A number of South African universities have trade and tourism. signed MoUs with their Malaysian counterparts. Deputy Minister Mfeketo also met with the Mayor of Makassar, Mr Ramdhn Pomanto, and Singapore and Indonesia the Rector of Sultan Hasanuddin University. In December 2014, the Deputy Minister of Discussions at these meetings touched on trade International Relations and Cooperation, and investment, tourism and the proposal for a Nomaindiya Mfeketo, paid an official visit to Twinning Agreement between the Western Cape Singapore and Indonesia. and South Sulawesi Provinces. The Deputy In Singapore, Deputy Minister Mfeketo met Minister was also updated on the construction of with her Singaporean counterpart, Deputy the Nelson Mandela and Sheik Yusuf statues in Minister Zukifli Bin Masagos, where South both Makassars, to honour the legacies of these Africa and Singapore bilateral relations were two icons. During the meeting with the Rector discussed. Issues discussed during the meeting, of Sultan Hasanuddin University, Prof Dr Dwia were the upcoming Foreign Office Consul- Ariestina Palubulu MA, Deputy Minister called tations, scheduled for January 2015, engaging for the strengthening of ties between South and involving other government departments African institutions of higher learning and their such as the dti and education. counterparts in Indonesia. Collaboration on tourism was identified as area of closer cooperation and Singapore Vietnam expressed a keen interest in signing the Bilateral Over the past 20 years, the relationship Air Services Agreement with South Africa. between South Africa and Vietnam has grown Singapore also indicated an interest in importing into a multifaceted relationship with growing meat and vegetables from South Africa. The two cooperation in many fields, rapid growth in leaders also discussed the impact of the Ebola people-to-people links and strong state-to-state virus on trade and tourism with African countries. and government-to-government relations, which They recognised the need for the two countries includes cooperation at many levels – bilateral, to exchange visits of political principals and trade as well as multilateral. delegations. Collaboration with the Singapore Political relations with Vietnam are strong, with a Civil Service College was acknowledged. substantial exchange of high-level visits between Deputy Minister Masagos also underscored the the two countries over the past few years.

268 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

The protection of South Africa’s wildlife, partic- such areas as human resource development, ularly the rhino, has been high on the agenda of mining and resources management and discussions with Vietnam. infrastructure development. Regarding cooperation in the field of wildlife South Africa and Australia work closely protection, the two countries shared concerns together for the benefit of third countries such as about the illegal trade in protected wildlife species Zimbabwe in the areas of sanitation and revenue and products, especially rhino, and agreed to collection. work together to put an end to this issue. South Africa and Australia also work closely together at multilateral level in organisations and Brunei-Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, institutions such as the Commonwealth, the UN and Timor-Leste and the Cairns Group particularly on issues that South Africa’s political relations with Brunei- affect African. Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and In October 2014, the Deputy Minister of Timor-Leste are cordial and friendly. International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Nomaindiya Mfeketo, delivered the opening Myanmar statement at the 14th Meeting of the Council Like the rest of the international community, of Ministers of Indian Ocean Rim Association South Africa has welcomed the political reform (IORA), Perth, Australia. process underway in Myanmar and has supported all efforts aimed at opening up the New Zealand political space for participation by all the people At bilateral level, South Africa and New Zealand of Myanmar through the political parties of their enjoy close cooperation in business, tourism, choice. agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environ- mental protection, indigenous people and Philippines human rights issues. The South African government established In sport, South Africa and New Zealand have formal diplomatic relations with the Philippines strong ties – especially in rugby and cricket, but in November 1993. The Philippine Embassy in in recent years also soccer. Pretoria was established in June 1994. South The two countries enjoy productive cooperation Africa, in turn, established an embassy in Manila at multilateral level. Both countries are members of in December 2004. the Valdivia Group (Group of Temperate Southern Relations between South Africa and the Hemisphere Countries on Environment), which Philippines are strong both at bilateral and aims to promote the Southern Hemisphere’s multilateral levels. Both countries are influential views in international environmental meetings in organisations of the south, including the NAM and enhance scientific cooperation. and the G77+China. The two countries also enjoy a close working On the economic front, both countries have relationship within the context of the Antarctic undertaken efforts to enhance bilateral trade and Treaty and Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries commercial relations. Agreement, and interact regularly within the context of the World Trade Organisation and the Australasia and the Pacific islands Cairns Group. Australia South Africa and Australia have a history of Relations with the Middle East productive cooperation across a range of South Africa’s relationship with the Arab States sectors and issues, including fisheries pro- remains cordial, with ongoing engagements tection, mining, law enforcement, sport, tourism, at various political and economic levels that education and training in fields such as ICT, are anchored by the strategic objective of public administration, mining and resources strengthening South-South relations. management, defence relations and customs cooperation. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Australia is the sixth-largest export destination South Africa is committed to maintaining for South African goods. The majority of exports cordial diplomatic and trade relations with the from South Africa to Australia are finished UAE. South African companies have made a goods. Exports of high-quality passenger motor major contribution to the development of the vehicles head the list. UAE economy with over 200 of them having With its renewed focus on Africa, Australia representative offices in the UAE. has committed to work together with the African The potential for greater interaction between continent to address development challenges in the two countries is enhanced through the 56

269 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture weekly flights between South Africa and the In October 2014, The Glasgow City Council unveiled UAE. South Africa and the UAE have signed a statue of former President Nelson Mandela in the City five bilateral agreements, which provide the Chambers. This follows an announcement made by Lord i Provost of Glasgow City Council on Mandela Day in 2014, framework for cooperation. that the City had commissioned the bust. At the time of making the announcement, Lord Provost pronounced that Iran the bust will “act as a lasting legacy of former President South Africa and Iran have established a Joint Mandela and as a permanent reminder of Glasgow’s long Bilateral Commission (JBC) to allow for a standing support for the people of South Africa”. This high-level review of existing bilateral relations ceremony marked exactly 21 years since the City Council and to consider ways in which these could be awarded former President Mandela with the Freedom of the expanded. City in October 1993. The JBC, chaired by South Africa’s Minister The UK High Commissioner, Mr Obed Mlaba, and its Hon- of International Relations and Cooperation and orary Consul for the Scotland region, Mr Brian Filling repre- Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, sented the South African Government during the ceremony. meets alternatively in South Africa and Iran performing Hajj and Umrah duties in the holy biannually. The JBC is regarded as one of South cities of Makkah al Mukarramah and Medina al Africa’s most successful and longest-running Munawarra. bilateral mechanisms. Several South African Saudi Arabia is a fellow G20 member and companies are involved in major projects in Iran. remains South Africa’s largest supplier of crude South Africa maintains a friendly relationship oil. with Iran, even though the international sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic have Qatar made trade increasingly difficult. Diplomatic relations between South Africa and In June 2014, the Minister of International the State of Qatar were established in 1994, Relations and Cooperation went to the Islamic strengthened by official visits to Qatar by former Republic of Iran for a two-day working visit presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, in Tehran. The Minister delivered a keynote as well as by visits of several Cabinet Ministers. address at a seminar under the theme: “20 years In terms of trade relations, Qatar has of South Africa’s freedom and relations between traditionally enjoyed a healthy trade surplus, South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran.” primarily owing to its export of crude oil and The objective of the seminar was to share petrochemicals to South Africa. with Iranians, South Africa’s holistic, political and constitutional experience; to enhance Kuwait South Africa-Iran trade relations and investment Kuwait has become an increasingly important through the promotion of mutually beneficial market for South African exports and several investment opportunities; and to develop cultural Kuwaiti companies have made major exchange programmes between South Africa multimillion-rand investments in the construction and Iran. During her visit, the Minister partic- and development of hotels and real estate in ipated in the 20th anniversary celebrations of South Africa, as well as investments on the South Africa’s freedom and democracy, hosted Johannesburg Stock Exchange. by the South African Embassy in Tehran. While in Tehran, the Minister met with her Iranian Iraq counterpart, Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister Relations between South Africa and Yemen are of Foreign Affairs, and paid a courtesy call on cordial, and the two countries share membership the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Hassan Rouhani. NAM. In January 2014, the then Deputy Minister Saudi Arabia of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Ebrahim Ebrahim, undertook a working visit to Saudi Arabia were formalised during a visit by Sana’a, Yemen, to take up the case of Mr Pierre former President Nelson Mandela in November Korkie, a South African citizen kidnapped nine 1994. Two missions were established in the months ago in the city of Taiz. Mr Korkie was kingdom during March of 1995: an embassy with kidnapped together with his wife, Yolande, while a chargé d’affaires in the capital Riyadh and a in Yemen in May 2013. The kidnappers released consulate-general in the commercial capital of Yolande on 10 January 2014, and Pierre Jeddah. remained in captivity. The consulate-general is responsible for While in Yemen, the delegation held a wide looking after the needs of South African pilgrims range of meetings, including with representatives

270 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

of the Yemeni Security Services; the Deputy In October 2014, the Minister of International Foreign Minister, Dr Ali Muthana Hassan; the Relations and Cooperation concluded her visit Foreign Minister, Dr Abu Bakr Al-Qirbi; the to Cairo in the Arab Republic of Egypt, where Minister of the Interior, Mr Abdul Qader Qahtari; she represented the South African Government the Prime Minister, Mr Mohammed Basindwah; today in the International Donors’ Conference on and held consultations with the President of Palestine, entitled “Reconstructing Gaza.” The Yemen, Abdel-Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. governments of Egypt and Norway, together with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, hosted Arab-Israel peace process the conference, which was aimed at securing South Africa supports peace between Israel and financial pledges and other contributions required the Arab world, which must involve an end to the for reconstructing the Gaza Strip, following the illegal occupation by Israel of Arab land, namely Israeli bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, which has led to from 8 July to 26 August 2014, which resulted in conflict and violence between the peoples of the large-scale human suffering, displacement and region over the last six decades. unprecedented material destruction in Gaza. South Africa does not have a policy aimed at Over 60 countries participated in the conference, boycotting Israel, but discourages people from including a number of regional and international visiting Israel because of the country’s continued organisations. occupation of Palestinian land. South Africa remains committed to the Palestine aspirations of the Palestinian people in their South Africa and Palestine have enjoyed warm struggle to achieve freedom and independence. relations since the inception of democracy, As part of South Africa’s contribution to interna- and the establishment of official diplomatic tional diplomatic efforts towards the resolution relations between a democratic South Africa and of Israeli-Palestine conflict, the special envoys Palestine in 1995. appointed by President Zuma travelled to Israel In May 2014, the Minister International and Palestine in June 2014. The delegation Relations and Cooperation hosted her conveyed South Africa’s grave concern over the Palestinian counterpart for bilateral consul- escalating violence, the civilian displacement and tations. Some of the issues they discussed were the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the state of South Africa-Palestine relations, the the Gaza Strip in particular and the West Bank consolidation of Africa-Palestine relations, and in general. the recent reconciliation agreement reached In Palestine, they met with the Prime Minister between Fatah and Hamas, as well as the Middle Dr Rami Hamdallah-Hamdallah, the Foreign East Peace Process. The meeting between Minister Dr Raid Malki, the Secretary of Fatah’s the Ministers is the culmination of a weeklong International Relations Commission, Dr. Nabil programme in support of the UN Declaration Shaath State of Palestine to work towards an of 2014 as the ‘International Year of Solidarity immediate and unconditional ceasefire and with the Palestinian People.’ In showing South ultimately the resumption of comprehensive Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause, the negotiations to find a peaceful and lasting solution South African Government played host to the to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The special Palestinian Heads of Mission Conference for envoys congratulated them on the formation of African Ambassadors, held in Cape Town in April. the Unity Government of the Palestinian National In addition, DIRCO also hosted a Palestinian Authority and asked them to maintain their unity Solidarity Seminar in Cape Town, with the with Hamas despite the current crisis. involvement of civil society and academia to In Israel, the special envoys met the Deputy create awareness of the Palestinian cause. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tzachi Hanegbi. In November 2014, President Jacob Zuma They shared with him President Zuma’s concern received President Mahmoud Abbas of the State with the situation in Gaza. The special envoys of Palestine on his State Visit to South Africa. requested all to apply maximum restraint, work During his visit, President Abbas conducted towards a permanent cease-fire and a solution of bilateral discussions with President Zuma on the conflict with Palestine. issues of mutual interest and common concern, The special envoys also met with the member bilateral relations between South Africa and of civil society Mr Mustafa Barghouti of the Palestine, the Middle East Peace Process, as Council of the Palestinian National Initiative and well as other multilateral issues. encouraged him and the general members of Bilateral relations between Palestine and the civil society to continue working towards a South Africa are facilitated through a Joint two-state solution. Commission of Cooperation (JCC) that was

271 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture established in 1995. Progress in establishing between the two nations across a range of bilateral cooperation agreements proceeded bilateral working groups. During the ABF, officials apace, resulting in the signing of nine bilateral from across the South African Government cooperation agreements and during President hosted their counterparts from the USA Mission Abbas’ State Visit, three agreements were to review bilateral cooperation in 14 separate signed, namely: areas: basic and higher education, agriculture, • Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint health, protocol and administration, economic Commission Of Cooperation development, trade and investment, energy, • Memorandum of Understanding on Political water, environment, transportation, science and Consultations technology, defence, and safety and security. • Agreement on Higher Education and Training Separate sessions during 2014 also addressed In addition, South Africa supports international cooperation through the African and Global efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Affairs Working Group. Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace The USA is a major economic partner for with Israel within internationally recognised South Africa and continues to feature high on borders, based on those existing on 4 June the list of trade and investment partners. There 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. are about 600 companies from the USA trading in South Africa, which provide over 120 000 local Syria jobs. These companies contribute about 30% In January 2014 the Minister of International of all corporate social investment for corporate Relations and Cooperation accepted an social projects. invitation from United Nations Secretary-General The USA is South Africa’s third-largest trading Ban Ki-Moon to attend the High Level Interna- partner and 98% of South Africa’s exports tional Meeting on the Conflict in Syria, scheduled enter the USA market duty-free and quota-free to start in Montreux, Switzerland. The meeting under the current dispensation of Agoa and the formed part of the Geneva II Peace Conference. Generalised System of Preferences. The meeting, was chaired by the UN Secretary- While the USA is a significant market for South General. It brought selected states and interna- Africa, South Africa is the USA’s biggest market tional organisations together in an effort to in Africa. South Africa is also an important assist the Syrian parties in ending the violence investor in the USA, with the announcement and achieving a comprehensive agreement for of an investment by Sasol in Louisiana, which a political settlement, implementing fully the could prove to be one of the biggest investments Geneva Communiqué, while preserving the in the history of the USA. sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial The USA is an important supporter of South integrity of Syria. Africa’s domestic priorities and has made an The international meeting was followed by effort to align its assistance programmes and negotiations between the two Syrian parties, projects with these. The USA is a major source facilitated by the UN-League of Arab States Joint of official development assistance (ODA) Special Representative for Syria, Mr. Lakhdar to South Africa, contributing approximately Brahimi. US$541 million in ODA per year. The major area of focus is health and AIDS in particular. Under Relations with the Americas the USA President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS United States of America Relief (Pepfar), South Africa is the 15th largest Formal relations between South Africa and the recipient of foreign aid from the USA. USA go back as far as 1789, when the USA South Africa has been very successful in using opened a consulate in Cape Town. South Africa Pepfar funding to address HIV and AIDS. continues to place a high premium on high-level The USA will reduce its annual assistance from political exchanges. US$484 to US$250 by year 2017. The transition In March 2014, DIRCO hosted the USA Mission plan has a five-year timeline. in Pretoria for the fifth Annual Bilateral Forum The USA regards South Africa as a global (ABF) under the United States-South Africa model because it is the first country to go from a Strategic Dialogue. The ABF was co-chaired by development assistance-led effort to a country-led USA Ambassador Patrick H. Gaspard and South approach. Both countries committed that there African DIRCO Chief Director: North America would be no interruption of treatment and care Ambassador John Davies. services during the transition of direct service The ABF is a key component of the USA-South provision to the South African Government. The Africa Strategic Dialogue, which meets annually USA understands the importance of the African to review the depth and breadth of cooperation Agenda to South Africa, particularly regional

272 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

economic integration, which is the cornerstone Mexico of continental integration. Initiatives such as Bilateral relations between South Africa and USA trilateral cooperation between the USA and Mexico are good and the two countries work the SADC region and the rest of the continent closely together in multilateral forums on issues in the area of food security have been pivotal to such as South-South cooperation and nuclear this relationship. disarmament. South Africa is Mexico’s biggest In August 2014, President Jacob Zuma trading partner in Africa. addressed the National Press Club, Washington In October 2014, the Minister of International DC, USA on the 20 years of democracy in South Relations and Cooperation received the Minister Africa. of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Dr José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, for bilateral consultations. Canada The Ministers signed three agreements covering Canada has a long-standing and wide-ranging various areas of cooperation between the two track record of constructive engagement, at countries. bilateral and multilateral levels, in Africa, ranging from peacekeeping and development aid to Latin America and the Caribbean foreign direct investment (FDI). Latin America About two thirds of South African exports to The developing countries in Latin America Canada relate to minerals and mining equipment, continue to play an important role in interna- with agricultural and chemical products making tional political bodies and formations such as up the rest. Canada views South Africa as a the NAM, the G20 (Brazil and Mexico), BRICS gateway into the SADC and the rest of Africa. (Brazil), IBSA (Brazil) and the UN. South Africa’s Canada’s involvement in South Africa focuses business sector has extensive interests in the on strengthening service delivery, HIV and AIDS region, including SAB Miller, AngloGold Ashanti, and rural development. Naspers, Denel, Sasol, PetroSA. In June 2014, Canada’s minister of interna- These relate to exports of capital equipment, tional trade, Ed Fast, announced that the intermediary goods and investments as well as Canadian trade finance agency Export a growing presence of South African companies Development Canada would open its first African in the service sector. office in Johannesburg in 2015. South Africa’s bilateral relations with Latin Canada chose Johannesburg as the location America and the Caribbean continue to advance for its first Export Development Canada (ECD) the development agenda of the South, and office because of the city’s economic position strengthen cooperation among developing as the financial gateway to southern Africa. The countries through active participation in ECD, through its Johannesburg-based team, groupings of the south at regional, inter-regional would focus on connecting more Canadian and multilateral levels. In this regard, the need businesses, particularly small and medium- to build stronger and balanced relationships with sized enterprises (SMEs), to the growing supply Latin American and Caribbean countries is of chains within intra-African trade. South Africa particular importance. South Africa has observer is Canada’s most important commercial and status in Caribbean Community and Common political partner in Africa and is the only country in Market (Caricom) and acts as the region’s voice Africa – and one of only 20 around the world – to in the G20. be identified by our government’s recent Global Markets Action Plan as an ‘emerging market Brazil with broad Canadian interests.’ On-the-ground The presidents of South Africa and Brazil meet support in southern Africa would help Canadian regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest. SMEs to boost their exports and create jobs and South Africa maintains the view that the Rio+20 opportunities at home. Conference, which took place in Brazil, helped The South Africa-Canada Chamber of to ensure the issue of sustainable development Commerce would be revitalised to provide a remained a top priority on the agenda of the UN forum for Canadian companies and investors in and the international community. the country. There were several areas in which South Argentina Africa and Canada could co-operate, including Argentina is South Africa’s third largest trading mining, infrastructure, agriculture and education, partner in the Latin American and Caribbean he said, adding that the success of Africa was region after Brazil and Mexico. critical to the success of the world. Regular Ministerial meetings ensure continuous improvement in bilateral ties.

273 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

Chile followed by liqueurs. South African imports from Political relations between South Africa and Venezuela consist mainly of oil. Chile remain sound. The Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) continues to serve a Cuba constructive purpose in the ongoing political Cuba remains a strategic partner of South Africa dialogue between the two countries at bilateral, and the region. regional and multilateral levels. South Africa continues to be a beneficiary of From South Africa’s perspective, Chile is seen Cuba’s ongoing assistance in support of the as a “like-minded” country in terms of multilateral five priorities of the South African Government, relations, North-South and South-South relations. through joint programmes in health, labour, In August 2014, President Jacob Zuma social development, housing and infrastructure. hosted the President of the Republic of Chile, One of the success stories is the extensive Dr Michelle Bachelet Jeria, for a State visit to cooperation between South Africa and Cuba South Africa. This was President Bachelet’s first regarding skills development and training. visit to South Africa. The purpose of visit was During 2014, more than 1 828 South African to strengthen bilateral relations between the two students received medical training in Cuba. countries. So far, more than 420 South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds have graduated The Caribbean in Cuba as medical doctors, providing much South Africa enjoys cordial relations with the needed primary healthcare services to their countries of the Caribbean. The majority of local communities. Another 73 final year inhabitants of the Caribbean are of African medical students are doing their final year at descent and have strong historical and cultural South African universities and graduated in links to the continent. 2014. Similarly, 11 South African students have South Africa’s endeavour in conjunction with graduated from the International Sport School the AU and Caricom to strengthen cooperation in Havana and a number of teachers in South between Africa and the African Diaspora in the Africa have benefitted from the Mathematics Caribbean has given added impetus to bilateral and Science skills development programme. and multilateral relations. The deployment of Cuban doctors, engineers South Africa attaches importance to and technical experts across South African strengthening its relations with the Caribbean provinces is a demonstration of Cuba’s and developing common positions on global commitment, as is the training on Cuban issues such as access to the markets of the scholarships, of South African medical students industrial north, reform of international institutions under the auspices of the Health Agreement, and promoting the development agenda and and of over 1 000 students, under the Extended protection of small island states. Health Agreement. Following the success of cooperation in the sphere of health, various Colombia and Ecuador projects are being pursued in areas as diverse Colombia and Ecuador are experiencing as arts and culture, sports, trade, agriculture, growing interest from South African companies education, housing and water affairs. primarily in the mineral resources sector. Cuba’s commitment to Africa is evidenced by the presence of Cuban medical brigades in 28 Peru African countries, comprised of more than 1 800 South Africa is one of the largest investors doctors and other health personnel, and close in Peru, with SABMiller and Anglo American to 2 300 young people from 48 African countries operating in that country. studying in Cuba. A number of trilateral projects The main South African exports to Peru are involving South Africa and Cuba in Africa have mining equipment, paper and carton, metal borne fruit in Sierra Leone, Mali and Rwanda. sheeting and specialised structural steel. The Cuban Government’s plans to open their economy to foreign investments, emphasises Venezuela the scope for doing business with Cuba and The two countries have a MoU regarding could form part of the Parliamentary Plan bilateral consultations. Three MoUs were also of Action to grow trade with Cuba. South signed by PetroSA and Petróleos de Venezuela, Africa implemented the Economic Assistance which granted PetroSA a block to explore Package Agreement in favour of Cuba in 2014. Venezuela’s oil reserves. The agreement, signed in 2012 became fully South African exports to Venezuela consist operational before the end of 2013 and approval mainly of ferro-vanadium and related products, has been granted by the South African Reserve

274 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

Bank for the package to be delivered through the developed a comprehensive partnership based conduct of a series of international payments. on the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland The SA-EU relationship is guided by the United Kingdom principle that the EU should support South Bilateral relations between South Africa and Africa’s national, regional and African priorities the UK cover a wide spectrum and have a and programmes to eradicate poverty and far-reaching impact. underdevelopment. Cooperation between the two countries is The EU is South Africa’s main development broad and includes health, education, science assistance partner. and technology, energy, the environment, defence, police, arts and culture, and sports and Benelux countries recreation. The Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands There is a healthy flow of investment in both and Luxembourg) remain important trade and directions. investment partners of South Africa, and major The UK is recognised as the foremost source providers of tourism. The Netherlands is the of FDI into South Africa, while South African second-most important source of FDI into South companies equally have made large investments Africa. in the UK. There has been important trilateral cooperation South Africa and the UK have important trade with the Netherlands and Belgium in the past in and economic relations, which continue to support of peace and security in Africa, inter strengthen, although the global economic crisis alia on capacity building in the Great Lakes has had a significant impact on bilateral trade. Region. Such trilateral cooperation can be further The UK is by far South Africa’s most significant expanded in the future. source of long-haul tourists, a position it has not There is a regular exchange of views between relinquished for the past 15 years. South Africa and Belgium, as well as with the In March 2014, the then Deputy President Netherlands, on the issues and complicated Kgalema Motlanthe undertook a working visit to processes necessary to find durable solutions to the United Kingdom (UK). The visit to the UK was the conflicts in the region. in honour of an invitation extended by the British Government to the South African Government to Belgium attend “A Service of Thanksgiving to Celebrate Relations between South Africa and Belgium are the Life and Work of Nelson Mandela.” The strong and dynamic, covering a number of areas Service was held at Westminster Abbey on 3 that are important to South Africa’s national March 2014. development objectives. Belgium is South Africa’s 12th largest export destination globally and ranks Ireland sixth in the world in terms of FDI in South Africa, The Republic of Ireland was the only EU member among other things focusing on mining, green country that did not have full diplomatic relations energy, ports, logistics and agriculture. with South Africa until the dawn of democratic Belgium has allocated substantial resources South Africa. to South Africa in the form of ODA since 1994. Ireland continues to be a valued source of This support has covered such areas as health, FDI in the following sectors: business services, ports management and logistics, education, rural alternative/renewable energy, software and IT development and further education and training. services, and plastics. The budget of the development cooperation Through the previous and current Irish programme, which will run up to 2016, is R66 aid programmes, the Irish Government has million a year. The Belgian region of Flanders also been providing development assistance to has a long-standing development programme in South Africa, focusing on education and South Africa, also with a budget of R66 million skills development thereby contributing to the per year up to 2016. promotion of South Africa’s national priorities. The current programme has a budget of The Netherlands R39 million per year. Apart from being the second-most important source of FDI into South Africa, the Netherlands Relations with Europe is South Africa’s seventh-largest trading partner European Union (EU) in the world. The Dutch Government has Since 1994, building on shared values and consistently supported South Africa in terms of mutual interests, South Africa and the EU have bilateral and multilateral relations. A large number

275 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture of bilateral agreements have been signed and in Pretoria. The BNC consists of nine working high-level bilateral Ministerial meetings are held committees that report to it and continue meeting regularly. between sessions under supervision of lead In March 2014, the Minister of International departments in implementing outcomes of earlier Relations and Cooperation concluded her BNCs: working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, • Foreign and Security Policy Committee where she led a South African Government • Culture Committee delegation to the Nuclear Security Summit • Defence Committee (NSS), which took place on 24-25 March 2014 • Development Cooperation Committee in The Hague. Building on the 2010 Washington • Economic Committee and 2012 Seoul Summits, the main objective • Environment Committee of The Hague Summit was to review progress • Labour and Social Affairs Committee achieved since the NSS process started in 2010 • Science and Technology Committee and to contribute to the strengthening of nuclear • Vocational Education and Training Committee security through stronger national measures and During the BNC, the Ministers reflected on improved international cooperation. South Africa developments in Africa, Europe and the Middle has participated in all the Summits. Fifty-three East, where South Africa and Germany have States were represented at the Summit in The common interest. Hague. South Africa’s participation in the NSS Germany is a good partner in terms of offering process is informed by the shared vision of a world South Africa technical assistance in agriculture. free of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, as well as its triple objectives Switzerland of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation Relations between South Africa and Switzerland and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The are based on equal partnership. There are some South African Government remains committed 200 Swiss companies in South Africa, employing to maintaining effective nuclear security of all around 36 000 South Africans. nuclear and other radioactive material within Consultations at the level of deputy ministers South Africa consistent with its national and of international relations and a Joint Economic international obligations. Commission at the level of Ministers of trade occur annually. Luxembourg Switzerland has granted South Africa special Bilateral and economic relations, especially in status on the Swiss foreign-policy agenda as one the financial services and funds sectors, remain of the focus areas for Swiss interests outside strong between Luxembourg and South Africa. Europe. Switzerland actively contributes to numerous German-speaking countries development assistance programmes in South Bilateral relations between South Africa and the Africa and elsewhere in Africa. German-speaking countries cover various issues, Switzerland remains South Africa’s major including investment and trade, science and trading and investment partner in the European technology, defence, culture, the environment, Free Trade Association. tourism, sport, development cooperation and energy, but also entail multilateral and trilateral Austria engagements. South Africa continues to enjoy cordial bilateral relations with Austria, focused primarily on Germany economic exchanges. South Africa ranks sixth In July 2014, DIRCO presented a discussion among Austria’s overseas trading partners, and forum with Mr Markus Meckel, former Foreign is by far Austria’s major trading partner in Africa. Minister of the German Democratic Republic and Some 400 Austrian companies are engaged in Member of Parliament after German unification, trade relations with South African companies. to discuss the “The Fall of the Berlin Wall and More than 50 Austrian companies have direct its impact on current events in Europe, Eastern investments in South Africa. Europe and Germany’s role globally.” In November 2014, The Minister of Interna- Nordic countries tional Relations and Cooperation, hosted and South Africa enjoys good relations with all the co-chaired together with the German Federal Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Frank-Walter Norway and Sweden. Flowing from the strong Steinmeier, the eighth session of the South grassroots support in these countries for Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission (BNC) democratisation in South Africa, relations have

276 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

been established in virtually every field at both Africa and Finland. The meeting also served to public and official levels. The scope of Nordic deepen Africa-Nordic cooperation. development cooperation is broad and has benefited civil society and government. Sweden Relations in the international arena have seen In May 2014, DIRCO hosted South African close cooperation on multilateral issues. The students who received scholarships from Nordic countries are strong supporters of Nepad Sweden. The students travelled to Sweden to and are directly involved in conflict resolution commence their studies in August 2014. The and reconstruction projects in Africa. This was students from across South Africa will pursue reinforced by the signing of the Declaration of their masters studies in a wide range of fields, Intent on Partnerships in Africa in June 2008, including sustainable energy, entrepreneurship, which laid a framework for future trilateral global health, international human rights law, cooperation. child and gender studies and sustainable development. The Swedish Institute funds the Denmark programme that offers 10 scholarships a year Denmark was a very strong supporter of the over a period of three years. anti-apartheid struggle and a major force in The scholarship programme for 30 students sanctions and disinvestment. The Danish to pursue post-graduate studies in Sweden was Government is focusing on renewable energy agreed to at the Eighth Session of the South development in South Africa. This programme Africa-Sweden Bi-national Commission (BNC), has been developed in response to the which took place in October 2013 in Pretoria. commitments made in the MoU of October The BNC is co-chaired by South Africa’s Deputy 2011 between Denmark and South Africa and President and Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister to the Declaration of Intent on the South African and takes place on a biennial basis. Bilateral Renewable Initiative (SARI) to which Denmark is relations between South Africa and Sweden are a co-signatory. excellent and have a strong historical basis with The programme has been designed with the Sweden supporting South Africa’s struggle for intention of assisting South Africa in implementing freedom and democracy. its policy of developing a low-carbon economy with special focus on electricity supply. Mediterranean Europe France Norway France is a significant trade, investment, tourism In December 2014, the Deputy Minister of and development cooperation partner for South International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Africa. About 250 French companies have Luwellyn Landers co-chaired with his Norwegian invested in South Africa and employ around counterpart Mr Hans Brattskar, the second South 300 000 people. Africa-Norway High Level Consultations (HLC). South Africa will count on France’s support The South Africa-Norway HLC was established in ensuring the effective implementation of the in 2013, to expand relations and stimulate United Nations Resolution 2033, which provides bilateral trade and investment between the two for closer coordination between the Security countries at the Deputy Minister level. Council and the AUPSC. The second session of the HLC took place The Kingdom of Spain remains South Africa’s within the context of solid structured bilateral strategic partner by continuing cooperation to relations between the two countries and the promote trade and investment, and preserve commitment to enhance the North-South peace and prosperity in Africa and the world. dialogue. South Africa and Norway share deep In June 2014, President Jacob Zuma historical relations because of Norway’s support congratulated His Majesty, King Felipe VI, on His for the anti-apartheid struggle. In recognition of Majesty’s investiture as King of Spain. this relationship Norway has decided to jointly President Zuma also expressed his gratitude celebrate the 200 years of their Constitution to His Majesty, King Carlos I, for steering Spain together with South Africa’s 20 years of freedom from military dictatorship to democracy and for under the theme: “200 + 20”. his personal contribution and mutual support to the further advancement of South Africa-Spain Finland bilateral relations during his reign as King of South Africa attaches great importance to Spain. its Nordic partners, and this visit provided a platform to further consolidate and strengthen Italy the already cordial relations between South South Africa’s relations with Italy are cordial.

277 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

Spain Poland The Kingdom of Spain remains South Africa’s Polish-South African relations entered a new strategic partner by continuing cooperation to phase after the fall of apartheid. Poland is promote trade and investment, and preserve regarded as one of the countries in central peace and prosperity in Africa and the world. Europe with great strategic importance to South In June 2014, President Jacob Zuma Africa. congratulated His Majesty, King Felipe VI, on His Poland is not only one of the strongest role Majesty’s investiture as King of Spain. players in the political and economic arenas in President Zuma also expressed his gratitude central Europe, but also an emerging power in to His Majesty, King Carlos I, for steering Spain the EU. from military dictatorship to democracy and for In May 2014, DIRCO, in collaboration with the his personal contribution and mutual support to South African Institute of International Relations the further advancement of South Africa-Spain (SAIIA), the Embassy of the Republic of Poland bilateral relations during his reign as King of Spain. to South Africa and the Polish Institute of Interna- tional Affairs (PISM), hosted a discussion forum Greece entitled “Poland and South Africa towards 2030.” South Africa and Greece enjoy traditional and The 20th anniversary of democracy in South close ties of friendship and cooperation as well Africa and the 25th anniversary of democracy as a convergence of views and cooperation in Poland were both celebrated in 2014. The on various regional and international issues in discussion forum reflected on mutual interest, general. which will enhance cooperation between South Bilateral relations between the two countries Africa and Poland for a better future within a continue to grow in a number of strategic and regional and global framework. mutually beneficial areas. Russian Federation Cyprus South Africa regards the Russian Federation South Africa has excellent and long-standing as an important strategic partner and close bilateral relations with Cyprus. It has maintained bilateral and multilateral ties exist between the strong ties with Cyprus, partly because of the two countries. large and influential Cypriot community in South With the dissolution of the USSR, South Africa Africa, of about 60 000 people. became the first African state to recognise the independence of the Russian Federation. Full Portugal diplomatic relations were established between Bilateral relations between South Africa and South Africa and the Russian Federation in Portugal are cordial and cover many areas, February 1992. underpinned by the High-level Political Consul- In August 2014, President Jacob Zuma tative Forum, which provides a platform for undertook a working visit to the Russian the two countries to explore the deepening of Federation. The visit came after the successful relations across the spectrum of South Africa’s working visit of President Putin to Durban, South national priorities, political cooperation, the Africa, and President Zuma’s working visit to strengthening of trade and investment and Sochi, Russian Federation, in March and May development cooperation. 2013 respectively, as well as Minister Maite Bilateral relations between both countries Nkoana-Mashabane’s successful working visit have not reached their full potential especially to the Russian Federation in September 2013, considering the historical and current political and the 2014 meeting on the margins of the and cultural links between the two countries. BRICS Summit in Brazil. During the bilateral talks, the two Presidents Eastern Europe assessed the state of bilateral cooperation, the The Eastern Europe region is of crucial status and implementation of Intergovernmental importance to South Africa’s strategic objectives, Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation straddling a wide spectrum of political and (ITEC) agreements, key trade and investment economic interests. issues, and the 12th ITEC Session hosted by The region is well endowed with strategic South Africa during the course of 2014. The visit commodities and minerals that are of vital further strengthened the bilateral relations with a significance to South Africa’s economy. view to consolidating and opening new avenues Cooperation in gas and oil and the peaceful towards job creation, skills development, use of nuclear energy can go a long way towards exchange and transfer of technology and trade alleviating South Africa’s energy needs. and investment.

278 SOUTH AFRICA YEARBOOK 2014/15

The two Presidents focused on developments on international issues of mutual concern, including, the situation in Syria, and the Israel- Palestine matter, as well as developments in Ukraine, which is Russia’s neighbour. In November 2014, the Minister of Interna- tional Relations and Cooperation, hosted the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey Donskoy, in Pretoria. The two Ministers co-chaired the 12th Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) between South Africa and the Russian Federation. The ITEC is a structured mechanism aimed at improving trade and economic relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation, as well as investment, critical skills development and technology exchanges.

Belarus In September 2014, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana- Mashabane, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, for bilateral consultations in Pretoria. South Africa and Belarus marked the beginning of an important relationship when the two countries established a working group to facilitate bilateral cooperation in agriculture.

279 InternationalArts and RelationsCulture

280