Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON FOREIGN MINISTER ALFRED NZO'S VISIT TO PORTUGAL
Minister Alfred Nzo will pay an official visit to Portugal from 12 - 13 October 1998 during which he will hold bilateral discussions with his Portuguese counterpart, Dr Jaime Gama. The visit follows on those by Deputy President Thabo Mbeki to Portugal in 1996 and President Jorge Sampaio to South Africa in 1997.
South Africa and Portugal have always maintained good bilateral relations. The strong cultural and historical ties are underscored by the highly valued presence of the 600 00 strong Portuguese community in South Africa, which has a significant stake in the South African economy. Two way trade between the two countries totalled R827m in 1997. The two ministers will review the current state of political and economic relations and issues such as South Africa's Free Trade negotiations with the European Union and the Cahora Bassa Hydro Electric Scheme will also be discussed.
An Agreement on the Exemption of Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official passports will be signed during the visit. A number of agreement which are still being negotiated, including the Promotion of Investments and Avoidance of Double Taxation, will also be discussed. Minister Nzo will also raise the faltering peace process in Angola, especially since Portugal is one of the Troika charged with overseeing the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol in that country. Minister Nzo will use the opportunity to brief Minister Gama on the latest developments in Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the recent SADC Summit in Mauritius and Ministerial deliberations at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Issues of multilateral concern will also be discussed, including the recent Non-Aligned Movement Summit, reform of the United Nations and the East Timor issue. Minister Nzo will also address the Portuguese-SA Chamber of Commerce after which awards to companies promoting excellence in imports and exports between the two countries, will be made.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 11 OCTOBER 1998