Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN/GERMAN BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION AND THE VISIT OF DEPUTY PRESIDENT MBEKI TO GERMANY 30 SEPTEMBER TO 2 OCTOBER 1997
Deputy President Mbeki, accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad, visited Germany to launch the first session of the South African/German Bi-national Commission and held constructive talks with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn on 2 October 1997. The Deputy President gave Mr Kohl an overview of recent political and economic developments in South Africa. Developments in the region and on the African Continent were also discussed. Chancellor Kohl reiterated his views on the need to further strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries. It was agreed that ongoing, high level contacts will be maintained to discuss the promotion of relations.
Mr Mbeki also jointly chaired, with Vice Chancellor Klaus Kinkel, the first meeting of the German-South African Bi-National Commission on 1 October 1997.
Minister Kinkel called this a new chapter in the wide ranging and deep relations between the two countries. He referred to the two way trade of 10 billion DM and the many practical agreements concluded between the two countries. The Bi-National Commission with its 5 active committees is a useful new instrument for the management and furtherance of these relations.
Deputy President Mbeki emphasised that these relations are being taken to new heights. The Bi-National Commission illustrates the mutual solidarity and cooperation between the two countries in dealing with successes and problems. This structured relationship will add to development, more science and technology exchanges, appreciation of human capital and the raising of skills of the people.
The Development Cooperation Committee of the Binational Committee referred to the more than DM 880 million contributed by Germany over the past 20 years. The development cooperation between the two countries covered a wide range of areas. Specific focus was given to the following basic education and vocational training sector projects:
Advisory services concentrate on provincial administration support programmes, rural housing. The upgrading of urban development and the development of infrastructure for housing. Deputy President Mbeki described these projects as an important means to bridge poverty. Future cooperation will also focus on small and medium size business development and projects in the environmental sphere.
As a result of cooperation in terms of a Science and Technology agreement, signed in 1996, 26 joint projects have been established. The Bi-National Commission will expand this list of which an automotive manufacturing technology workshop, was a highlight. The transfer of technology between German and South African concerns was discussed in detail.
Future focus will fall on lead projects like information technology, bio technology, malaria research and metals technology.
Defence focus will be on peace keeping and training South African personnel in the important role of peace keeping. Leadership training, vocational training, medical cooperation as well as cooperation in the field of anti-personnel mines are being considered.
The Environment Committee will consider a know-how exchange on pollution control, cleaner production technology, eco-tourism, and multilaterial matters. Small business development in the management of waste is being looked at. The global environment initiative formally known as the "Kohl initiative" has been welcomed by the Committee and follow up actions will be discussed to increase world capacity for sustainable environmental development.
The Economic Cooperation Committee deliberated on greater market penetration for South Africa in Germany as well as the building Small Medium and Micro Economic capacity. It was agreed that the two governments would maintain close cooperation with the European Union. The Maputo Corridor project as well as other spatial development initiatives in SA and the region were discussed and it was established that there was growing interest amongst German investors in these projects.
This first meeting of the Binational Commission was concluded with a statement by Deputy President Mbeki that the Committees have achieved their objectives and that it augured well for future cooperation between Germany and SA.
The next meeting will be held in South Africa.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 2 OCTOBER 1997