The Department ofInternational Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in collaboration with the South African Institute of International Relations (SAIIA), the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to South Africa and the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), will host a discussion forum entitled “Poland and South Africa towards 2030”.

2014 marks both the 20th anniversary of democracy in South Africa and the 25th anniversary of democracy in Poland.  This Discussion Forum will reflect on mutual interest which will enhance cooperation between South Africa and Poland for a better future within a regional and global framework.

All media are invited as follows:

Date:  Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Time: 09:30 – 12:30
Venue: Conference Centre 1, DIRCO, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria

Programme:
09:30 – 10:00         Registration, tea and coffee
 
10:00 – 10:10         Welcome Remarks by Programme Director
                               Mr Fadl Nacerodien
                               Chief Director: Policy Research and Analysis Unit, DIRCO
 
10:10 – 10:25         “Reflections on South Africa- Poland Relations”
                               Ambassador Rapulane Molekane
                               Deputy Director-General: Europe, DIRCO
 
10:25 – 10:40         “Poland and South Africa working together now and in the future”
                               H.E. Ms Anna Raduchowska-Brochwicz
                               Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to South Africa                         
 
10:40 – 11:00         “Poland in the European Union: a Vision for 2030”
                               Dr Jakub Wisniewski
                          Head: Department of Strategy and Foreign Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 
11:00 – 11:20         “Poland’s Eastern Policy”
                               Dr Jarosław Cwiek-Karpowicz
                               Head: Research Office at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
 
11:20 – 11:40         “South Africa’s National Development Plan Vision 2030”
                               Ms Elizabeth Sidiropoulos
                               Chief Executive: South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
 
11:40 – 12:20         Interactive Discussion
 
RSVP: Ms Juanique Bowman, bowmanj@dirco.gov.za <mailto:bowmanj@dirco.gov.za>
Enquiries:  Mr Nelson Kgwete, 076 431 3078