Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON OFFICIAL VISIT OF MRS ZDENKA KRAMPLOVA, FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC TO SOUTH AFRICA FROM 28 - 30 MAY 1998
The Foreign Minister of the Slovak Republic, Mrs Zdenka Kramplova, is currently visiting South Africa as the guest of Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo. Apart from the constructive bilateral talks between Ministers Nzo and Kramplova on 28 May 1998, two agreements were also signed namely, on the "Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evation with respect to Taxes on Income" and the "Cooperation in the fields of Arts and Culture".
The talks focused on the further consolidation and promotion of the sound political, economic and cultural ties which exist between the two countries.
Developments in the region as well as multilateral cooperation were also discussed.
Minister Kramplova also had a brief meeting with Deputy President Thabo Mbeki on 29 May 1998, during which an invitation was extended to the Deputy President to visit the Slovak Republic. The Minister also held talks with Mr Alec Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry, during which it was agreed that there was strong potential for the further expansion of economic ties and that an high-level Slovak business delegation would visit South Africa soon.
During a meeting with Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, cooperation in the sphere of agricultural projects were agreed upon as well as the finalisation of an agricultural agreement.
Military cooperation was also raised with Deputy Minister Ronnie Kasrils and the possibility of sending South African Air Force personnel to the Slovak Republic for training was explored.
The constructive nature of Minister Kramplova's visit is indicative of the growing relationship between South Africa and the Slovak Republic.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 29 MAY 1998