Issued by: Department of Foreigh Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA BY THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF PAKISTAN: 24-27 JANUARY 1998
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr Gohar Ayub Khan, will pay an official visit to South Africa from 24-27 January 1998, at the invitation of Minister Alfred Nzo. Minister Ayub Khan will be accompanied by his wife, Begum (Mrs) Gohar Ayub Khan and Mr Ali Sarwar Nagvi, Additional Secretary for the Middle East and Africa.
Minister Gohar Ayub Khan, the first Foreign Minister of Pakistan to visit South Africa, will hold bilateral discussions with Minister Alfred Nzo on 26 January 1998. In an effort to strengthen bilateral relations, the two Ministers will also sign the following agreements:
- Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion;
- Agreement on Peacetime Cooperation between navies;
- Agreement concerning Defence and Defence Equipment.
The media is invited to attend the signing ceremony, followed by a media conference, at the Diplomatic Guest House, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights at 11h00, on the same day.
Mr Gohar Ayub Khan will also meet with Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, Minister Joe Modise, Minister Peunell Maduna, Minister Kadar Asmal and Deputy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Nguka, during his visit.
South Africa and Pakistan established full diplomatic relations in April 1994. During the first official visit of a Foreign Minister of democratic South Africa to Pakistan in June 1997, Minister Alfred Nzo and his counterpart Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan signed two letters of Intent, one on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture an the other on Cooperation in the Field of Politics.
Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan will address the South African Institute of International Affairs on Pakistan's Foreign Policy, at 17h00 on 27 January 1998 at Jan Smuts House, Braamfontein. He will also meet with the Johannesburg Chamber of commerce and Industry to discuss trade and economic ties with south Africa.
Trade and economic relations between South Africa and Pakistan were virtually nonexistent until a few years ago. The impressive growth since 1990 is not only encouraging, but also indicative of the significant potential that exists. Pakistan offers a potential market of 140 million people for South African goods. In 1996 South African exports to Pakistan increased by 29% to R353 million and imports increased by 22% to R201 million per annum.
Pakistan's main exports to South Africa are textiles and textiles articles, man-made staples, sport equipment and leather products. South Africa's main exports to Pakistan are iron and steel products, man-made staples, optical and photographic equipment, wood-pulp and paper, organic chemicals and aluminium. South African assembled BMW motor cars are also exported to Pakistan.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 22 JANUARY 1998