Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA BY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN
At the invitation of Mr Jackie Selebi, the Director-General of Foreign Affairs, his Pakistan counterpart Foreign Secretary Mr Shamshad Ahmad, visited South Africa from 8 to 11 March 1999.
The Director-General and the Foreign Secretary held detailed discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues and expressed satisfaction at the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. They discussed ways and means to further promote bilateral trade and economic ties. In this regard they stressed the need for the private sectors to exploit business opportunities which exist in both countries. They agreed to encourage the exchange of trade missions between the two countries in the near future.
The two sides also exchanged views on, inter alia, disarmament; reform of the United Nations, matters relating to the restructuring of the UNSC and its agencies; ongoing progress of NAM, South-South cooperation, in particular the possibilities of increasing cooperation between its member states; ideas of the forthcoming CHOGM, including regional issues in Southern Africa and South Asia. The Foreign Secretary expressed Pakistan's appreciation for consistent and strong South African support to Pakistan's membership of the Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC).
Following the talks the two principals signed a letter of Understanding for the establishment of a South African-Pakistan Joint Commission. Two agreements were also signed, i.e. a Bilateral Air Services Agreement and a Science and Technology Agreement. The two sides also exchanged Notification on the Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation which was signed in January 1998.
These are important agreements which not only will pave the way for better cooperation in all the areas they cover but will serve as the basis for cooperation in other areas. The Joint Commission will enable the two countries to meet regularly to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues which form the core of the two countries foreign policies.
The Foreign Secretary conveyed to the Director-General the good wishes and felicitations of the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Pakistan at the progress, economic development and peaceful transformation achieved by South Africa since the advent of democracy in the country.
With regard to technical cooperation between the two countries, the Director-General thanked the Pakistan Government for providing training in various disciplines to South Africans.
Both sides discussed possible ways of strengthening cooperation between their respective drug enforcement agencies.
The South African side welcomed the recent visit to Lahore of the Indian Prime Minister and the conclusion of the Lahore Declaration, as an appropriate framework for resolution on issues facing the Souh Asian region. The South African side expressed the hope that the process of dialogue undertaken by the two Governments on all elements contained in the Lahore Declaration will be pursued with sincerity and urgency, with a view of promoting an environment of peace and security in the South Asian subcontinent.
Foreign Secretary Ahmad invited his South African counterpart to visit Pakistan. He also thanked Mr Selebi for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his visit to South Africa.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
09 MARCH 1999