Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO ANGOLA Dos Santos, the Prime Minister - Van Dunen, the Secretary General of MPLA - Lopo do Nascimento, Minister Faustino Muteka who leads the MPLA delegation to the Joint Commission, Ambassador Isaias Samakuya who leads the Unita delegation to the Joint Commission and Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye - Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General.
Very fruitful and informative discussions on the peace process since the signing of the Lusaka Protocol to date and the future economic and political co-operation between South Africa and Angola were held. It was encouraging to learn that the peace process had progressed to such an extent that a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation is expected to be in place as early as next January.
South Africa's commitment to the peace process was greatly appreciated by the Angolans as well as by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General.
The situation in the Great Lakes sub-region was discussed in detail with President Dos Santos and the efforts of the countries of the sub-region to find a solution to the problems of that area were commended.
The visit of the Deputy President to Angola has definitely strengthened the relations between South Africa and Angola and opened new avenues of co-operation between the two countries.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA
20 DECEMBER 1996