Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
At the invitation of Mr Alfred Nzo, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Gohar Ayub Khan, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, visited South Africa from January 24 to 27, 1998.
The visit, taking place during the 50th anniversary celebration of Pakistan, is the first official visit of a Pakistan Foreign Minister to the democratic South Africa.
Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan and Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo met on 26 January 1998, for bilateral talks aimed at reinforcing cooperation between South Africa and Pakistan. The meeting was followed by the signing of the following agreements by the two countries:
Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes an Income;
Agreement on Peacetime Cooperation between Navies;
Agreement concerning Defence and Defence Equipment.
Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan held detailed discussions with the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki. He also met with several members of the South African cabinet, inter alia, Mr Joe Modise, Minister of Defence, Mr Kader Asmal, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Mr Penuell Maduna, Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs and Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and other senior officials of the South African Government. These meetings were held in an atmosphere of cordiality and understanding resulting in constructive and fruitful discussions emphasising the friendly relations between both countries.
The visit of Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan provided a further impetus to South Africa/Pakistan relations. Both countries reiterated their mutual desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields by pursuing Joint Commission Meetings, on a regular basis.
With regard to technical cooperation between the two countries, South Africa expressed its appreciation for the assistance with training in various disciplines that Pakistan has thus far provided and is continuing to provide to South Africa.
Both sides expressed their concern over the growth in illegal narcotics trafficking and discussed possible ways of strengthening cooperation between their respective drug enforcement agencies.
During discussions concerning regional and international issues South Africa and Pakistan reiterated the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations structures, and in particular the Security Council. They also discussed closer cooperation in the context of the United Nations and its Agencies. Discussions were also held on regional and international issues of concern for each country.
With regard to the Non-Aligned Movement, views were exchanged on South Africa's role as the forthcoming Chairperson of the movement and possible assistance to South Africa for the hosting of the Next Summit in August/September 1998.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 27 JANUARY 1998