Issued by: Department Of Foreign Affairs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, Mr Theodoros Pangalos, will pay an official visit to South Africa from 18 to 20 November 1998 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo.
The two Ministers will discuss and review the current status of bilateral relations.
Minister Nzo will also use the opportunity to brief Minister Pangalos on developments in SADC, Angola, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and on the recent Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Durban. Mr Pangalos will brief Minister Nzo on developments in the Balkans as well as in Cyprus.
The Ministers will also sign the following five agreements during the visit:
- Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments
- Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation
- Agreement on Tourism Cooperation
- Air Services Agreement and
- Agreement on the Construction of a Paediatric Clinic by the Greek Government in the Gauteng Province (Sebokeng)
Discussions will also focus on promoting economic exchanges between the two countries and the signing of the abovementioned four economic agreements are intended to create the necessary conditions within which increased exchanges can take place. The establishment of the African-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, in which the South African Embassy in Athens is playing a leading role, is also expected to stimulate these exchanges.
South Africa enjoys excellent relations with Greece based on common interests which are underpinned by a strong and active 100,000 strong and vibrant Hellenic Community in South Africa.
Minister Pangalos will also meet with the Minister of Home Affairs Dr M Buthelezi during his visit.
The Greek Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Iannos Theopanopoulos, will host a performance of Axion Esti, conducted by the well-known Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis, at the Old Mutual Hall, Unisa on 18-20 November 1998, in honour of Minister Pangalos. Proceeds will be donated to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 18 NOVEMBER 1998