Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs / French Embassy
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE OFFICIAL VISIT BY MR HUBERT VEDRINE, THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF FRANCE TO SOUTH AFRICA: CAPE TOWN, 9 OCTOBER 1997
Mr Hubert VEDRINE, the French Foreign Minister, paid an official visit to South Africa on Thursday, 9 October 1997, in Cape Town. He held talks with Deputy President Thabo MBEKI, the Foreign Minister Alfred NZO and the Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz PAHAD. Mr Hubert VEDRINE also addressed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs during which he explained the policy of France viz-a-viz Africa.
The talks were wide-ranging, constructive and laid a solid foundation for the consolidation and future expansion of bilateral relations. The sound state of bilateral relations, positive developments relating to the SADC, and a number of African issues were discussed extensively. The positive direction and development in bilateral relations was manifested amongst others by the signing of an "Agreement on the South African/French Forum for Political Dialogue" by the two Ministers. This permanent mechanism will provide a framework for intensified, regular political consultation on bilateral, multilateral and other international issues of mutual concern, between leaders and officials of both Governments.
During the discussions, the need to further expand economic relations was emphasised. In this regard the official opening of the French Business Centre in Cape Town is of significance.
The constructive nature of development cooperation between the two countries was noted and the South African delegation expressed its appreciation for the well-focused objectives of French development assistance. This positive relationship was illustrated by the signing of an agreement by the Ministers on a 13 million Rand grant by the French Government towards the transformation of the South African education system.
The need to further expand cultural, scientific and technological cooperation was also identified and the proposed meeting of a Joint Commission for Cultural, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, envisaged for the early part of 1998, augurs well for future cooperation. In this context, Minister VEDRINE stressed the interest of France in maintaining a dynamic cultural presence in South Africa and the region. The French Minister officially concluded the African art "Pierre Guerre Exhibition" in Cape Town during his visit.
This first visit to South Africa of a French Foreign Minister since the 1994 elections, underlines the priority both countries attach to bilateral relations, against the background of ongoing positive developments in Africa and given the declared interest of South Africa and France to play a constructive role in furthering political and economic stability in the region as well as the African continent.
ISSUED JOINTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE FRENCH EMBASSY CAPE TOWN 9 OCTOBER 1997