Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE DISCUSSIONS AT THE UNION BUILDINGS BETWEEN THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR ALFRED NZO, AND THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHILE, MR JAINE TOHA, ON 12 NOVEMBER 1998
During his discussions with Minister Jaine Toha, the Minister of Public Works of Chile, Minister Nzo expressed his satisfaction with the present state of bilateral relations between South Africa and Chile.
Minister Nzo emphasized the fact that South Africa sees this visit by the President of Chile as an opportunity to strengthen relations with Chile at the highest level, especially in view of the leading roles which both countries play in our respective regions and within the context of South-South cooperation.
The Minister praised Chile's active and constructive participation in the recent NAM conference in Durban which he said is also indicative of the common concerns which both South Africa and Chile have on matters affecting developing countries - an area in which future cooperation between our two countries should be expanded.
Following their talks the two Ministers signed three bilateral agreements which included:
1. An Agreement for the Reciprocal Protection of Investments;
2. A Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Consultations on Issues of Common Interest; and
3. An Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Combating the Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
These are important agreements which will pave the way for better cooperation in all the areas they cover. In particular, the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Consultations on Issues of Common Interest will enable the two countries to meet regularly to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues such as South-South cooperation, disarmament, the environment and security matters which affect the South Atlantic region.
Chile offers South African companies good opportunities and the Agreement on Reciprocal Protection of Investments should provide an extra stimulus for them to have a closer look at the Chilean market. Naturally this also applies to Chilean businessmen and investors looking for opportunities in South Africa and the wider SADC-region.
All countries of the world are affected by the threat of growing illicit drug trafficking and South Africa has made strenuous efforts to cooperate with the countries of South America to combat this scourge. The Agreement with Chile on the prevention of drug abuse and the illicit traffic of drugs will strengthen both countries' law enforcement agencies in their ongoing battle against this menace.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 12 NOVEMBER 1998