Date: 29/10/2002
Source: Ministry of Defence
Title: Lekota: Renewal of MoU on defence cooperation between SA, UK, Northern Ireland


SPEECH NOTES FOR THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE ON THE OCCASION OF THE RENEWAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE RSA AND THE UK AND NORTHERN IRELAND CONCERNING DEFENCE COOPERATION, Cape Town, 29 October 2002

Honourable Secretary Hoon
Members of your delegation
Colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen

Since the re-establishment of the military-diplomatic relationship between our two countries during 1994, substantial progress was made and a lot achieved of which we can be extremely proud.

Secretary Hoon, with specific reference to our military diplomatic relationship, allow me to mention some of our most outstanding achievements over the past few years:

I am convinced that the establishment of the RSA - United Kingdom Defence Committee during 1997, was a very important confidence and security building mechanism and played a critical role in maintaining and expanding our military diplomatic relationship. Since its establishment, five meetings of this committee have been held on an annual basis and it provides a forum to coordinate and manage the development and conduct of our military diplomatic relationship. These meetings take place within the ambit of the Bilateral Forum between our two governments.

I would also like to mention the critical role played by your BMATT and BDAT in the integration process within the DOD in a democratic South Africa. This has now drawn to a close and we are extremely thankful for your Government's support in this regard.

We should also take note of the fact that no less than eight bilateral agreements were already signed between our defence establishments, which cover a very wide range of areas of cooperation within the defence environment. Two more agreements are due to be signed in the near future.

Equally important is the successful conclusion of the strategic procurement package for the supply of Hawk Trainer Aircraft to the South African Air Force. This reiterated our commitment to a long-term relationship not only between our two governments, but also between the defence industries of our respective countries.

The ongoing training opportunities offered to members of the South African Department of Defence by the British Ministry of Defence as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office needs also to be mentioned.

With respect to the future, we take note of the British Government's efforts in enhancing capacity building for peace missions and developmental support for Africa. This will improve our own capacities in this field. It is our view that this will add value to efforts of NEPAD with respect to regional and continental stability and security.

This brings us to South Africa's role in the region with respect to security and stability. As you are aware, the South African Government committed itself to participate in MONUC III over and above our current deployments in Burundi, the DRC and in Ethiopia/Eritrea. This is an immense responsibility and a huge challenge of which we are extremely proud. We will have to approach our partners and friends to enhance our existing capacities, especially in terms of equipment needed for the mission. Let me assure you that we are committed to make a substantial contribution to bring peace, security and stability not only to the Great Lakes, but also to the region as a whole.

Mr Secretary, with the signing of this renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Defence Cooperation between our two countries for a further period of five years, we are confirming our commitment to the enhancement of capacities and capabilities by means of our bilateral defence cooperation in order to bring peace and stability to our world.

Thank you.

Issued by Ministry of Defence
29 October 2002