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Mini
ster of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma together
with her Irish counterpart, Minister Brian Cowen TD signed a
Declaration of Intent to deepen ties between both countries today,
Friday, 2 April 2004 in Dublin, Ireland.
At a bilateral meeting ahead of the signing ceremony, both
Ministers agreed that the new level of co-operation to which both
Governments are committed reflects the close ties that have
historically existed between the two countries, including the
strong support given by Ireland to the anti-apartheid
struggle.
Minister Diamini Zuma thanked the people of Ireland for their
support during the struggle against Apartheid. "The signing of this
declaration of intent reflects the degree to which relations
between our two countries are flourishing. South Africa and Ireland
share similar basic values and see eye-to-eye on many global
issues. The Ireland-South Africa Partnership Forum will not only
consolidate the long-standing relationship between South Africa and
Ireland, but also provide us with a mechanism to realise all the
rich possibilities that remain to be tapped."
In addition, both Ministers noted the great contribution made by
Irish religious groups and NGOs to South Africa.
Minister Cowen briefed Minister Nkosazana Diamini Zuma on the peace
process in Northern Ireland and current developments in this area.
He thanked Minister Diamini Zuma for the strong political and
practical support given by South Africa over recent years to the
achievement of peace in Ireland.
Minister Diamini Zuma in turn briefed Minister Cowen on South
Africa's celebration of ten years of democracy.
The Declaration of Intent commits both countries to hold regular
high-level consultations on issues of mutual concern in order to
better manage and enhance the many forms of co-operation that have
developed between the two countries since the establishment of full
diplomatic relations just over ten years ago.
Ireland and South Africa, as part of the Declaration of Intent,
envisage consultations meetings at least once a year alternating in
venue between the two countries.
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