Issued by: Ministry of Mineral and Energy Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF MINERAL AND ENERGY AFFAIRS MR R F (PIK) BOTHA
HAMBURG THURSDAY 18 APRIL 1996
MINISTER PIK BOTHA ADDRESSED THE INFLUENTIAL AFRIKA VEREIN ASSOCIATION AFTER VISITING KAZAKHSTANA ND TURKEY
Minister Pik Botha, on his way home after intensive trips to Kazakhstan and Turkey, is to deliver the opening keynote address of the influential Afrika Verein Association's Annual Conference in Hamburg today. He will be stressing the advantages to Germany of investing in South and Southern Africa's mining and other sectors.
By virtue of its extensive knowledge and high degree of professionalism, the Afrika Verein Association has become an important mouthpiece for Germany's foreign economic interests since its founding in 1934. It is regarded as the think-tank on Germany's Africa policy. The Association's main activities are -
The Verein represents about 85% of all German companies, institutions and individuals with trade, economic developmental and related interests in Africa. It acts in the interests of its members in its dealings with the German Government, the European Union and its institutions, African Governments as well as a range of associations in Europe and Africa.
While in Kazakhstan, Minister Botha met President Nasabayev, the Prime Minister, and the Ministers of Oil and Gas; Geology and Underground Resources; Energy; Foreign Trade; and Agriculture. These discussions confirmed the existence of promising possibilities for the South African private sector and Minister Botha will be taken them up with business leaders on his return. It was the first visit by a member of the South African Government on National Unity to Kazakhstan.
In Turkey, Minister Botha met his counterpart, Mr Husnu Dogan, as well as other political and business leaders. It was the first visit by a member of the South African Government of National Unity to Turkey. He also laid a wreath at the Ataturk Mauseleum. On that occasion, Mr Botha said.
"Kemal Ataturk possessed a quality of authority which transcended the mere exercise of power. He had a vision for Turkey and the world based on justice and progress. He was also a prophet who envisaged a new world order in which reason and tolerance would replace conflict as a means of settling disputes. The leaders of the world will do wll to reflect on Kemal Ataturk's insight and wisdom. I pay tribute to this man who left a heritage not bound by time and an inspiration that will endure." Mr Botha returns to South Africa tomorrow, Friday 19 March 1996.
Enquiries: Roland Darroll, Hamburg. Phone; 09-49-40-34 940