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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has today returned from a successful working visit to the Kingdom of Norway, where she participated in the 15th Africa-Nordic Meeting of Foreign Ministers on 26-27 May 2016

The 15th Africa-Nordic Ministerial Meeting took place under the theme: "Foreign and security policy at a crossroads: Ensuring stability and prosperity in a new security landscape."

Issues discussed under this theme were on achieving the UN's sustainable development goals; the eradication of poverty; strengthening  partnerships for economic development; the use of preventive diplomacy as an effective tool for development, peace and security; countering and preventing terrorism and extremism;  and migration and mobility, including their impact on economic growth.

The Africa-Nordic Meeting of Foreign Ministers takes place annually and is hosted alternately by an African and Nordic country.

Last year's  Africa-Nordic Ministerial Meeting was hosted by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane in Mookgopong, Limpopo Province, on 9-10 April 2015 under the theme: "The Africa We Want: Partnership towards Agenda 2063."

The annual meetings provide a framework for an informal,  open dialogue on international topics  that are relevant to both Africa and the Nordic countries.

The meetings also build on partnerships and  cooperation and reinforces the historical solidarity of friendship that exist between the governments and people of Africa and the Nordic countries.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Børge Brende of Norway and Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra of Algeria on the sidelines of the  meeting.

Issued  by Department of International Relations and Cooperation