Date: 15/07/2003
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
Title: Dlamini Zuma: Closing remarks at SA-Egypt Joint Bilateral Commission


CLOSING REMARKS BY HE NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AT THE 6th SESSION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN - EGYPTIAN JOINT BILATERAL COMMISSION (JBC), 15 July 2003

Minister Maher
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have reached the conclusion of yet another Joint Bilateral Commission between the South Africa and Egypt. The regularity and consistency of the convening of these deliberations are a testimony to the strength and depth of our relationship.

It pleases me to announce that the two days of extensive deliberations were informative, interesting and successful. The fruit of our labours is the signature of three more agreements, which serve to strengthen the legal framework of our relationship. I am particularly enthusiastic about the agreement on consultation between senior officials of our foreign ministries. I am convinced that the sharing of views and knowledge between our foreign ministries further elevates our relationship and contribute to conflict resolution on the continent.

I would be failing in my duty if I do not confess to you my view that the signing of agreements between our countries, noteworthy and necessary as they are, cannot be an end in itself. The true value of our labours lies in the ability to make a difference to the lives of the people who have placed us in the positions we occupy and honour us with a sacred trust of responsibility and accountability in the hope that we will add value to their lives through these deliberations and interactions.

The challenges facing us include pushing back the boundaries of poverty and underdevelopment and, as said by President Mbeki: "... building a better life for ordinary people in Africa, especially the poor."

In this regard we have a guiding beacon in NEPAD, which is a programme tailored for sustainable development of our beautiful continent. I urge you to be guided by the NEPAD programme and challenge you to contribute to its dynamism and vitality in the period leading up to the next Joint Bilateral Commission. If we fail in this, history would not be kind in its judgement of us.

Apart from being an opportunity to review and enhance our bilateral relations, this Joint Commission has accorded us an opportunity to review progress and developments in Africa, the Middle East and in the broader international arena.

We echo our concern for the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Iraq, especially as it affects the most vulnerable people in society, i.e. the women and children.

We also had an opportunity to review developments in the DRC, Burundi, Sudan, Liberia, Mauritania and Zimbabwe.

We are unanimous in our view that the international order should be governed by multilateralism and that the centrality of the United Nations in the adjudication of international affairs is inviolable.

At a continental level, Egypt and South Africa reiterated their commitment to the AU and its programme of development, NEPAD.

I hope, Minister Maher, that you have enjoyed our hospitality as much as we were privileged to host you and your delegation.

We have enjoyed the performance of the Reda Folklore group and I hope that the esteemed members of your delegation have taken full advantage of the hospitality extended to them by my delegation and in particular by South African Tourism.

Minister Maher
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation to both our delegations for their hard work and the success of our meeting and I would like to re-emphasise the immense responsibility placed on us by our people.

I eagerly look forward to our next Joint Bilateral Commission in Egypt. To enjoy the hospitality of one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

I thank you

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
15 July 2003