Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, MR ALFRED NZO, TO THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
1. At the invitation of the Hon Sen R V Arthur Khoza, Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa Hon Alfred Nzo, MP, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland from 21 to 22 August, 1997.
2. The South African Foreign Minister was accompanied by senior South African government officials. He paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland, the Hon Sibusiso Dlamini, and attended the opening of the Mlilwane Gate by His Majesty King Mswati III, at which he presented a grant of pesticides to control invader plants, such as lantana, in the reserve.
3. During the visit, the two Foreign Minister briefed each other on political developments in their respective countries. In light of the fact that the internal situation in the Kingdom of Swaziland might impact on regional development and closer integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Minister Nzo, expressed the hope that the Constitutional Review Process would be as all-inclusive as possible and offered South Africa's assistance, if requested.
4. In discussions on bilateral relations between the two Foreign Minister, a number of issues were raised, including the recognition of Swazi Chiefs by South Africa, bilateral agreements such as the Maputo Corridor and the Agreement on Joint Cooperation, interstate protocol and entry requirements. The Swaziland Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressed his appreciation for South Africa's aid programme in Swaziland.
5. The two Ministers signed a Declaration on Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries. The Declaration will provide for the following:
- The extension and broadening of bilateral cooperation in political economic, scientific, technological, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres;
- Expediency of agreements and other documentation on interaction between Swaziland and South Africa in various spheres;
- Global problems and development of regional and international relations;
- Cooperation within the frameworks of international and regional agencies and fora;
- Cooperation and consultation aimed at coordinating their positions within the frameworks of international, regional agencies and fora;
- The promotion of relations and cooperation between their missions to third countries.
6. The two Ministers exchanged views on issues affecting the international community. In preparation for the forthcoming SADC Summit in Malawi, mutual positions in certain areas of the Organisation were discussed. Opinions were also expressed on the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
7. Both sides were pleased with the close ties of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries and demonstrated willingness and determination to work closely together for the mutual benefit of the two nations.
8. Upon the conclusion of his visit, Minister Nzo expressed his gratitude and respect to the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland, and the Swazi people, for their warm welcome and hospitality.
9. Signed in Mbabane on this 22 day of August 1997.
ALFRED NZO ARTHUR R V KHOZA Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs of the REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA and Trade of the KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 22 AUGUST 1997