Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE FIRST MEETING OF THE SOUTH AFRICA / FLANDERS COMMITTEE
On implementation of the Agreement signed on 28 October 1996 between the Government of South Africa and the Government of Flanders in the fields of Educaton, Arts, Culture, Science, Technology and Sport, a delegation from Flanders visited South Africa on 2 and 3 March 1998 for the Joint Commission.
The delegation led by Mrs Diane Verstraeten, Director-General: Department of Coordination, Administration of Foreign Policy, held discussions on the further implementation of the Cooperation Agreement. Since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement, substantial progress has been made and the consultations between the South African and Flemish delegations are aimed at broadening this cooperation. They agreed upon a work programme for 1998 and 1999.
The Government of Flanders has provided South Africa with substantial assistance aimed at improving the plight of disadvantaged communities. It committed almost R70 million during the period 1995 to 1997 to development cooperation in health care, education and training, rural and agricultural development, democratisation and good governance, community development and institution building. To mention but a few projects, support was given to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Language Facilitation Programmes; provision of wheelchairs for the disabled in collaboration with the Department of Health.
This visit by the Flemish delegation will further strengthen the bilateral relations between South Africa and Flanders.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 3 MARCH 1998