The additional protocol to the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) provides for customs unions and free trade areas; extending the agreement to ten more European Union (EU) member states to bring the total to 25.
The signing by Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa and his counterparts from the Netherlands and EC took place at a meeting President Thabo Mbeki held with EC President Jose Manuel Barroso here at the weekend.
Presidents Mbeki and Barroso engaged in discussions "on critical matters" such as the outcome of the forthcoming G8 Summit in Gleneagles in Scotland next month, the situation in Zimbabwe and peace and security in Africa.
Mbeki said he indicated to Barroso what the African community expected from the G8 summit.
"We are counting much on the support of the European Commission and the European Union," said Mbeki.
He added that Africa relied much on the EU's experience in addressing issues of poverty and development.
Mbeki mentioned that bilateral relations were working very well between South Africa and the EU, adding that they were looking at ways of expanding them.
He said he briefed Barroso on progress made on peace initiatives in war torn countries in Africa, adding, delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast would be coming here for further discussions for this reason this week.
Commenting on the recent "domestic tribal squabbles" regarding the EU's budget and French and Dutch rejection of the body's constitution, Mbeki said he did not think the problems would impact on Africa.
"President Barroso is committed to progress and development of Africa regardless of issues of trade, I have maintained a regular contact with heads of states who are part of the EU, so whatever might be happening within EU, I do not think it will have an impact on Africa," said Mbeki.
Barroso said the union was re-affirming its commitment to Africa adding that they would continue supporting Africa.
"South Africa is a very essential partner of the EU, we will closely support South Africa in its efforts to fight poverty," said Barroso.
Barroso said they discussed issues in a "frank and friendly" manner; however the issues of Zimbabwe were a huge concern to the EU.
The concern followed the Zimbabwean government's "clean up" campaign "to rid urban areas of criminality".
The campaign dubbed "Operation Murambatsvina" (Drive out Trash) has reportedly left 1,5-million people homeless, causing indignation around the world.
"Questions of human rights should be the concern of all people. They are universal values and everybody should respect these values," said Mr Barroso.
Responding on the Zimbabwe issue, Mbeki said he had discussed this with the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and both had agreed to send the head of the UN Habitat to that country.
"The delegation should prepare a report and make recommendations, we must wait and respect that," said Mbeki. - BuaNews
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