Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE VISIT OF PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER JEFF RADEBE TO THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT: 26-28 OCTOBER 1998
As Foreign Affairs Minister Nzo will be occupied with an important SADC-led peace initiative in Lusaka, Public Works Minister Jeff Radebe will lead a South African delegation of senior officials, economic, technical and NGO representatives to the third session of the Joint Bilateral Commission(JBC) in Cairo, Egypt from 26-28 October 1998. The Joint Commission between the two countries was established in 1995 to promote cooperation at all levels between the two countries. The first session was held in Cairo in 1996, followed by a session in Pretoria in August 1997, during which several bilateral agreements were signed. Consistent with the Department's desire to promote bilateral relations with Egypt, Minister Radebe will be accompanied by a large multi-sectoral economic, technical and NGO delegation including representatives of parastatals. Before his departure for Lusaka Minister Nzo stated that "we are committed to exposing South Africans to the potential for co-operation which exists in North Africa and particularly in Egypt. The JBC offers us an ideal opportunity to do this."
In order to promote a climate conducive to economic exchanges agreements on Trade Relations, Protection of Investments and on Maritime Affairs will be signed during the visit. South Africa's relations with Egypt have developed rapidly since 1994, with President Mandela's visit to Cairo in 1997 marking a high point in relations. South Africa and Egypt continue to cooperate closely in international fora such as the NAM and the OAU. The participation by the two countries in the Ministerial Declaration on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-proliferation in New York on 23 September 1998 is an example of this close cooperation.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 25 OCTOBER 1998