Your Excellency, Minister Francois Fall and your delegation,
All Senior Officials present,
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,

We have just concluded our bilateral discussions within the framework of the 2nd session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation, which was characterised by cordial and cooperative interaction aimed at deepening the long-standing bilateral relations between our two countries.

South Africa enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Government and the people of Guinea, solidified by the unconditional support that the people of Guinea extended to the people of South Africa during the time of the struggle against apartheid.

Upon the demise of apartheid, Guinea was amongst the first countries to open a diplomatic mission in South Africa. Furthermore, Guinea and South Africa consolidated their historic relationship by establishing a legal framework that codified our bilateral relationship through the Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), which entered into force November 2006. During the same year, the first Joint Commission for Cooperation was held.

This second session that we have just concluded today has set objectives to further promote political, economic and social cooperation between our two countries.

To date eight Agreements have been signed by our two countries including the Protocol on Diplomatic Consultations, Trade, Visa Waiver (for diplomatic and official passport holders), Education, etc. These Agreements indicate the willingness of our two Governments to continue strengthen the already cordial relations.

We are pleased with the increasing cooperation between South Africa and the Republic of Guinea that spans from education, science and technology, mining, infrastructure development, agriculture, transport and a host of other areas.

During our discussions, we agreed that there is great potential between our two countries that must be explored to further strengthen this relationship for mutual benefit. We are convinced that our efforts will produce tangible results for the benefit our people.

In order to effect the decisions of this important meeting, we have decided that officials will meet at least once a year and make necessary follow-ups with the view to implement the decisions of this meeting.

Let me emphasise, as I conclude, that our meeting today underscores the desire and the will of our countries to trade, exchange investments and skills with the view to unlock the potential for economic development and address the needs of our people.

Honourable Minister, I now invite you to please make your remarks.

I thank you