Issued by: Office of the President
South Africa and Suriname established diplomatic relations on 3 February 1995. Ambasador Udenhout is currently serving as the Ambassador of Suriname to Washington. He represented his country at the inauguration of President Mandela on 10 May 1994.
In 1954 Suriname became an internally self-governing member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands along with the Netherlands Antilles. On the 25 November 1987iname became an independent Repubc. Dutcvh foreign aid and a bauxite levy raised the state income.
The young democratic state was confronted with a military coup on 25 February 1980. On 8 December 1982 15 prominent leaders of the re-democratisation movement were executed. Dutch aid was suspended and a severe economic crisis set in. The military regime lasted until November 1987, when a civilian government was installed and on the basis of a new constitution for the Republic of Suriname. This government was again overthrown in December 1990. However, in May 1991 free and fair elections were held, bringing back to power almost the same government. The current president, Ronald Venetiaan, was elected by parliament.
CURRICULUM VITAE
WILLEM ALFRED UDENHOUT
DATE OF BIRTH: 29 September 1937 PLACE OF BIRTH: Coronie, Suriname MARITAL STATUS: married, one child STUDIES: Studied English Languae and Litarature, Sociolinguistics and American History respectively at Suriname's Teacher's College and NUTS Akademie, Leiden University (The Netherlands)
CAREER: Teaching experience at Secondary and University levels; Special Adviser to the Minister of Education, Arts and Sciences
1982 - 1983 Member of the National Advisory Council 1984 - 1988 Prime Minister 1984 - 1985 Minister of Foreign Affairs 1985 - 1986 Minister of Finance Oct/Nov 1984 Acting President of Suriname 1987 - 1988 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Central Bank of Suriname 1987 - 1989 Adviser to the Head of Government Currently Ambassador to the United States Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States Non -resident Ambassador to Mexico, Canada, Nicaragua LANGUAGES Dutch, English, Spanish and French
SWITZERLAND - PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY AMBASSADOR ROBERT MAYOR
Issued by: Office of the President
Relations with South Africa
Switzerland has afforded special foreign policy status to South Africa - the RSA is now the most important area for Swiss interest outside Europe. Switzerland is also one of South Africa's main trading partners and an important source of capital for South Africa. South African gold is marketed through Switzerland and companies like De Beers and Rembrandt control their international interests from Switzerland.
During his visit to South Africa in September 1994, Swiss Foreign Minister Flavio Cotti announced that his country would contribute R220 million to the RDP over the next four years. The two countries agreed to extend the network of bilateral treaties between them. The most recent example was the signing of an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments in June 1995. It was also decided that South Africa and Switzerland would cooperate to promote peace and democracy in Mozambique. (Switzerland is actively involved in peace initiatives in the Republics of Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Rwanda).
Both the South African Deputy Presidents visited Switzerland in 1995 on separate occasions and made courtesy visits on President Villiger.
International position
Switzerland follows a policy of "permanent armed neutrality" as well as a policy of universality. Switzerland is not a memver of the UN, but is a member of most UN agencies and enjoys observer status at the UN General Assembly. It is also a member of the OSCE. Issues such as the protection of human rights and minorities, reserved diplomacy and crisis management will enjoy priority during Switzerland's chairmanship of the OSCE in 1996.
Historical background
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 and has occupied its present area since its borders were fixed by treaty in 1815. At the same time, it was international recognised as a neutral country.
Never having imposed sanctions against South Africa (other than adhering to UN arms and oil embargoes), Switzerland nevertheless showed solidarity with international efforts to end Apartheid by limiting capital investment and enforcing punitive debt repayment schedules. High level reciprocal access to government and private sector institutions and well established trade patterns ensure an optimal interaction between the two countries.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Robert Mayor
Date of Birth: 1942 Place of birth: Geneva Marital status: Married, two children Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Law, Universities of Geneva and Vienna Career: 1968 Joined Foreign Affairs. Training in Berne and Ankara 1970 Paris 1974 Accra 1977 Deputy Head, United Nations anganisations Section, Head Office, Berne 1982 Head, United Nations and International Organisations Section, Head Office, Berne 1984 Minister, European Communities, Brussels 1989 Ambassador, Zaire, Congo and Central Africa,] resident in Kinshasa 1993 Head Political Division III, Head Office, to date Berne.
SUDAN: PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY AMBASSADOR IDREES
Issued by: Office of the President
The Republic of Sudan obtained independence from the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium on 1 January 1956 with the current President, Lt Gen Omer Hassan Ahamed Al-Bashir.
Full diplomatic relations between South Africa and Sudan were established on 10 May 1994.
Agreement of South Africa's first non-residential Ambassador to Sudan, Mr Nlapo, has been granted by Sudan and he will shortly present his Credentials.
The Sudanese Government has voiced its concern about the fact that South Africa has not yet appointed a residential ambassador to Khartoum. Our policy towards Sudan is based on the following considerations:
a) On the economic side Sudan offers South African exporters a potentially vast and lucrative market. South Africa already supplies Sudan with great quantities of rolling stock and railway equipment in general. b) On the political side the RSA's main objective is to encourage the democratization of Sudan's society and the termination of its endless civil war through peaceful negotiations. c) On the multilateral side, South Africa eagerly supports international efforts by IGADD and other initiatives to end the civil war.
Sudan borders on nine countries. Relations with its neighbours are tense, particularly with Egypt, since the alleged involvement of Sudan in the attempted assassination of President Mubarak.
CURRICULUM VITAE
NASRELDIN AHMAD MOHAMMAD IDREES
Date of Birth: 16 April 1948 Place of Birth: Khartoum (Tuti Island) Marital Status: Married, four children Education qualifications: 1972 B.Sc (Economics and Political Science), University of Khartoum Career: 1972 - 1973 Chamber of Public Service, Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reform 1974 - 1975 Management, Development and Productivity Centre, I.L.O., Khartoum 1976 - 1977 Department of Public Affairs 1977 - 1980 First Secretary, Damascus 1980 - 1981 Cultural Department, Sudan 1981 - 1982 Counsellor/Charge d'Affaires, Adan 1983 - 1985 Department of Integration between Sudan and Egypt, Sudan 1985 - 1986 Director General, Sudanese Prime Minister's Office during the "uprising" period 1986 - 1989 Councellor, United Nations and Chairman of sub-Committee of Women and Children under Apartheid, Committee against Apartheid, UN 1989 to date Director General of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic
1991 Rank of Counsellor Plenipotentiary, Department of Foreign Affairs 1994 Rank of Ambassador, Department of Foreign Affairs
CONFERENCES AND DELEGATES:
1986 Chairman of UN delegation to the Frontline States to collect data about the situation of women and children under Apartheid (Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania)
1987 Representative of UN Apartheid Committee to Cairo's Conference on the Right of the Palestinian and South African People's Legitimate Right
1988 Member of UN Committee against Apartheid to the Conference of the Women and Children under Apartheid held in Harare.
1994 President of the General Assembly during the voting session of Bosnia and Herzegovina topic
GHANA - PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY HIGH COMMISSIONER MENSAH
Issued by: Office of the President
Political Situation
Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from its European colonisers. After two coups d'etat in 1966 and 1979 Ghana was governed by a Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) from 1981 to 1992. Despite the stability brought about by the PNDC's authoritarian style of government the international community called for Ghana to return to multi-party democracy. Consequently, Presidential elections were held on 3 November 1992 bringing Flight-Lietenant Jerry Rawlings to power. Ghana's next general election will be held in 1996.
Regionally Ghana has on numerous occasions hosted Liberian peace talks and supported the ECOMOG initiative in Liberia by sending troops to participate in ECOMOG. President Rawlings was elected President of ECOWAS for the period 1994/1995.
Economic Overview
Ghana's former ruling council, the PNDC, launched an economic recovery programme in 1983, in line with recommendations by the IMF and World Bank, which has seen a surplus recorded in annual budgets as well as a steady increase in GDP growth.
Several South African mining houses are involved in mining ventures in Ghana. Gencor's acquisition in July 1994 of Royal Dutch Shell's mining arm has given it ownership of the Bogusu gold and silver mine. In addition, JCI has won the management contract for the Prestea mine and Goldfields is turning production around at the Tarkwa mine.
Relations with South Africa
South Africa established diplomatic relations with Ghana on 25 May 1994. On 15 January 1995, Ghana opened a High Commission in Pretoria. South Africa intends to establish a High Commission in Accra early in 1996.
CURRICULUM VITAE
THOMAS A. MENSAH
EDUCATION: 1956 B.A. (Philosophy), University of Ghana 1959 LL.B (Honours), University of London 1962 LL.M Yale University Law School 1964 J.S.D., Yale University Law School
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS:
1960 - 1961 Assistant Registrar (Academic), University of Ghana 1963 - 1968 Lecturer and later Acting Dean, Law Faculty, University of Ghana 1965 - 1966 Associate Legal Officer, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (on secondment) 1968 - 1973 Head, Legal Division, International Maritime Organisation (IMO), London 1974 - 1981 Director, Legal Affairs and External Relations, IMO 1981 - 1990 Assistant Secretary-General, IMO 1992 Visiting Professor, William S Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii 1993 - 1994 Cleveringa Professor of Law (visiting), Leiden University, Netherlands Since Oct 1993 Professor of Law and Director of the Law of the Sea Institute, University of Hawaii
OTHER POSITIONS HELD: 1966 - 1967 Member, University Council, University of Ghana 1966 - 1968 Master, AKUAFO HALL, University of Ghana Member, National Advisory Council of Ghana 1978 Chairman, Constitutional Drafting Commission, Ghana
CROATIA: PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY AMBASSADOR T MURSALO
Issued by: SA Communication Service
RELATIONS
Unofficial relations (Office of Interest Level) between South Africa and Croatia were established in November 1990 while Croatia was still a Republic within the former Yugoslavia. In June 1991 Croatia broke away from the former Yugoslavia to become the indepen- dent Republic of Croatia. South Africa recognised the independence and sovereignty of Croatia on 2 April 1992 and established full diplomatic relations with that country on 9 November 1992. During September 1994, the unofficial Office of Interests of Croatia in South Africa was upgraded to the level of Honorary Consulate- General, headed by Mr Mursalo who is now becoming Ambassador.
Due mainly to financial constraints, South Africa has not yet establishccredited its Ambassador in Vienna to see to South Africa's interests in Croatia.
HISTORICAL RELATIONS
The first Croats to settle in South Africa arrived with the Dutch East India Company toards the end of the 17th century and in the course of the 18th century. It was, however, the discovery of gold and diamonds which brought them to South Africa in greater numbers and by the end of the 19th century, there were already approximately 2,000. Today it is estimated that there are between 8,000 and 8,500 Croats living in South Africa.
The Croatian community got its first appointed diplomatic repre- sentative in South Africa in 1930. Relations lasted until the end of the Second World War when the newly formed federal government of Yugoslavia took over that task until 1963, when its office in South Africa was terminated. What is in fact happening today is the resumption of full diplomatic relations which were interrupted for historical reasons.
While still part of Yugoslavia, Croatia was closely connected to the nonaligned and particularly African countries and approximately 25-30% of all aid that was given to Africa and African liberation movements by Yugoslavia, was in fact financd by the croatian nation.
The Croatian Prime Minister attended the inauguration of President Mandela last year.
CURRICULUM VITAE
NAME: Tvrtko Andrija Mursalo DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 22 August 1930, Sarajevo MARITAL STATUS: Married: wife Mirna, maiden name Miskulin; children: two daughters, two sons. EDUCATION: - studied at the Zagreb University, Technical Faculty, later also Faculty of Economics. - finished "London School of Polymer Science & Technology" WORKING EXPERIENCE: - during his studies and afterwards worked for "Revertex" company, England - technical manager in "Slater Walker" company - senior scientific member (post of the head of international technical service for latex) of "Malaysian Rubber Fund Board" - from 1971, first technical and then general manager of "Vulco Latex Industries" in South Africa - presently the head of the executive office, shareholder and general manager of "Latex Surgical Products" (Pty) Ltd. in Johannesburg MERITS: - 1973: fellowship of the Institute of the Rubber Industry in London - 1986: "John Tallant" medal from the same institute in Johannesburg for his "many years of contribution to the rubber industry development in South Africa and his work as an internationally recognized expert in the latex technology" (quot. Institute) ACTIVITIES: - founder and secretary of the "Runolist" mountaineering association in Zagreb - head of a Mountain Rescue Service station (Zagreb) - member of the Croatian Catholic Community in Johannesburg - editor of "Zupne Vijesti" (Parish Bulletin), the only Croatian publication in the Republic of South Africa - chairman of the Croatian Catholic Community in South Africa - 1970-1980 chairman of a branch office of the Croatian National Council in the Republic of South Africa and member of the editorial board of the London based "Nova Hrvatska" (New Croatia) magazine - presently president of the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) branch in South Africa - an appointed plenipotentiary of the and Head of Office of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of South Africa since 1991 - at present Honourary Consul General of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of South Africa with the seat in Johannesburg WORKS: - author of a number of technical essays, articles and booklets - owns several patents for inventions in the field of latex technology - published essays on Croatian emigrants to South Africa - correspondent of "Hrvatska Revija" and "Nova Hrvatska" magazines - author of the book "In Search of a Better Life", printed in English
VENEZUELA - PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY AMBASSADOR VICENTE VALLENILLA.
Issued by: Office of the President
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Venezuela was traditionally one of the more outspoken critics of the policies of the former South African government and contact between that country and South Africa was virtually non-existent. In 1976, then President Perez declared an official trade boycott against South Arica. However, bilateral trade continue and South African exports to Venezuela wer esubstantial in the Latin American context.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Venezuela was the world's third largest producer of coffee. By 1935. petroleum had overtaken coffee as export commodity. Venezuela was one of the five founder-members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The Venezuelan economy is dominated by the petroleum industry, which is the major source of government revenue (since it was nationalised in 1976) and of export earnings. Venezuela ranks as the third largest petroleum producer within OPEC, and the night largest producer in the world.
In 1988 Pres Carlos Andres Perez, who also served as President from 1973-78, became the first former President to be re-elected to office. He received Mr Nelson Mandela in Venezuela on the latter's tour to South America in July 1990.
RELATIONS
Following on the UN draft Resolution to lift economic sanctions, Venezuela abolished its trade sanctions against South Africa in October 1993.
On 3 December 1993, two days before the General Elections in Venezuela, South Africa and Venezuela established full diplomatic relations. Dr Rafael Caldera Rodriguez, who also served as President from 1969-74, was sworn in as President on 2 February 1994.
Mining is an area of growing cooperation with Gold Fields of South Africa Limited already having substantial interests in Venezuela. Joint ventures in the field of petro-chemical industries could also be investigated, while there is certainly scope for an increase in South African exports to the country. Tourism from Venezuela to South Africa is virtually non-existent and this field offers exciting possibilities.
CURRICULUM VITAE
VICENTE VALLENILLA
DATE OF BIRTH: 16 October 1949 PACE OF BIRTH: Caracas MARITAL STATUS: Unknown STUDIES: 1974 Deegree in International Studies, Central University, Venezuela 1981 Post-graduate in International Law, National Unviersity of Australia
CAREER:
1974 - 1977 Co-ordinator for Internatinal Affairs, Institute of Foreign Trade, Venezuela 1977 - 1978 Chief of Statt, Institute of Foreign Trade 1978 - 1981 First Secretary, Australia 1981 - 1982 First Secretary, Peru 1982 - 1985 Adviser to the Minister of State for International economic Affairs 1985 - 1986 Director, International Economic Organisations, Institute of Foreign Trade 1986 - 1987 Director-General, Export Promotion, Institute of Foreign Trade 1987 - 1990 Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Venezuela to the United Nations 1991 - 1993 Director, International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1993 - 1994 Ambassador, Direcotr-General for International Economic and Cooperation Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs GENERAL: Member of numerous official missions as Representative of Venezuela
CANADA: PRESENTATION ON CREDENTIALS BY HIGH COMMISSIONER AC PERRON
Issued by: Office of the President
Former Canadian Prime Minister Diefenbaker played a leading role in forcing apartheid South Africa out of the Commonwealth. Mr Diefenbaker said at the time: "There will always be a light in the window for South Africa." Over the years Canada remained at the forefront of the Anti-Apartheid struggle.
Excellent bilateral relations presently exist between Canada and South Africa. Trade between South Africa and Canada increased by more than 50% since the elections. A number of Canadian trade delegations have visited South Africa during the last 18 months. Despite the increase in trade there is still potential to increase trade, particularly in view of Canada's position as a G7 country. South Africa and Canada are also negotiating four bilateral agreements. After the April 1994 elections Canada announced a development assistance package in the form of grants to South Africa amounting to R160m over a period of 3 years.
The President decided to postpone his visit to Canada which was originally scheduled for 25 - 27 October 1995. In a telephone conversation between Canadian Prime Minister Chretien and the President it was agreed that the President would visit Canada in 1996. The Canadian High Commissioner will probably raise this issue during the private discussion with the President.
Canada is presently grappling with the Quebec issue. In the October 30 referendum, the separatist movement in Quebec was narrowly defeated. This issue is dividing Canadians and the federal government seems to have no solution which will defuse the claims of separatists that ultimately want an independent Quebec. South Africa's position is that the future of Canada is for Canadians to decide.
CURRICULUM VITAE
ARTHUR C PERRON
DATE OF BIRTH: 12 August 1944 PLACE OF BIRTH: Halifax, Nova Scotia MARITAL STATUS: Married EDUCATION: 1966 B.Comm., Laval University 1967 M.Comm. (Business Administration), Laval University 1977 Banff School of Advanced Management CAREER: 1968 - 1971 Second Secretary (Commercial), Paris 1971 - 1973 First Secretary (Commercial), Algiers 1973 - 1976 First Secretary (Commercial), Manila 1976 - 1978 Deputy Chief, Africa and Middle East Division 1978 - 1980 Deputy Director, Assignments, Trade Commissioner Service 1980 - 1984 Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner, Sydney 1984 Acting Consul General 1984 - 1985 Director, Commercial/Economic Personnel Division, Ottawa 1985 - 1987 Director General, Personnel Operations Bureau 1987 - 1990 Director General, Asia Pacific Branch 1990 - 1994 Ambassador, Bangkok 1994 - 1995 Ambassador, Quebec 2002, Ottawa
AUSTRALIA - PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY HIGH COMMISSIONER IAN PORTER
Issued by: Office of the President
Background on Australia
Since the Government of National Unity was installed, bilateral relations between South Africa and Australia have shown marked improvements.
The visits to Australia by Deputy Presidents T Mbeki and F W de Klerk and Ministerial visits by Ministers Roelf Meyer and Stella Sicgau, as well as the visits to South Africa by Australian Ministers Gareth Evans, Bob McMullen and Laurie Brereton have all helped to cement a special relationship. Ministers Steve Tshwete and Trevor Manuel will also visit Australia later this year.
A manifestation of the special relationship between the two countries is the proposal by Deputy President T Mbeki for the establishment of a Joint Commission between South Africa and Australia. This idea was discussed at ministerial level by Senator Garth Evans during his visit to South Africa during May this year.
Trade between South Africa and Australia has shown an upward trend since the April 1994 election, and in particular since the trade delegation visit to South Africa in March this year led by Trade Minister Bob McMullan. The latest annual figures are: South African exports to Australia $302 238 000 Australian exports to South Africa $565 354 000. Thus a total trade of A$867 592 000.
Joint ventures already exists in the fields of mining, engineering and construction between major South African and Australian companies. It is expected that the establishment of joint ventures will increase in future.
Tourism between South Africa and Australia is showing a healthy increase in both directions. Australia is now the fourth most important inward destination country to South Africa. Min Mac Maharaj and his Australian counterpart, Minister Brereton recently signed an agreement in terms of which both South African Airways and Quantas will soon increase their current two flights per week to three.
The Australian Government was in the forefront of the anti-apartheid campaign and leader such as Malcom Fraser and Bob Hawke played major roles in especially Commonwealth regard. Australia was also very prominent in introducing the Gleneagles agreement which isolated South African sport from international competition.
CURRICULUM VITAE
IAN WILLIAM PORTER
DATE OF BIRTH 1948 PLACE OF BIRTH Geelong, Victoria MARITAL STATUS: Married, two children
EDUCATIONAL QUALFICATIONS: B.A. (Honours) and Diploma of Education University of Melbourne.
CAREER: 1973 Joined Department of Foreign Affairs and subsequently served in Tehran and Hong Kong. 1986 Private Secretary to the Minister for Resources and Energy 1986 - 1987 Senior Private Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. 1987 - 1991 Counsellor, Manila 1991 - 1992 Assistant Secretary of the Personnel Branch, Canberra. 1992 to date Minister/Deputy Head of Mission, Jakarta.