Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE VISIT OF THE FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN, MR RYUTARO HASHIMOTO TO SOUTH AFRICA - 13 TO 16 JANUARY 1999
Mr Ryutaro Hashimoto, the former Prime Minister of Japan and currently the Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, will visit South Africa from 13 to 16 January 1999. One of the focal points of the visit will be to conduct a follow-up meeting with Deputy President Thabo Mbeki who previously met Mr Hashimoto during his official visit to Japan in April 1998.
Minister Alfred Nzo will also meet Mr Hashimoto. During his visit Mr Hashimoto will deliver a policy speech at the South African Institute for International Affairs. He will also attend ceremonies related to Japan's Overseas Development Assistance projects. Furthermore, the first plenary session of the Japan - South Africa Partnership Forum will also be held.
This visit will further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between South Africa and Japan and promote cooperation in multilateral fora. Japan is South Africa's strongest trade and investment partner in East Asia. During 1997 trade between the two countries amounted to R19,3 billion. Japanese companies have invested nearly R 1.7 billion in South Africa since the 1994 elections. Japan also granted South Africa the single largest Overseas Development Assistance package at the time in 1994.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
8 JANUARY 1999