Deputy Foreign Minister, Aziz Pahad and senior members of the Department of Foreign Affairs met with a high level delegation of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, led by Ambassador Numan Hazar, this week. The Turkish delegation comprising representatives of var ious ministries and government agencies visited South Africa from 1 to 3 November 1999. During the discussions the state of and prospects for political and economic relations between Turkey and South Africa, developments in the Southern African region as w ell as south-eastern Europe, the Balkans and Central Asian regions, multilateral cooperation and other international issues of mutual concerns, were raised. The leader of the Turkish delegation also conveyed an invitation from the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Ismail Cem, to Foreign Minister Dlamini-Zuma to visit Turkey at a mutually convenient time.
During the discussions, both sides agreed that there was a need to further consolidate and expand the political and economic relations between the two countries. It was furthermore agreed that the process of political consultations between the two departme nts should be stepped up and consideration was given to an appropriate consultation mechanism which will be finalised during a future high level visit.
Particular attention was also paid to the rapidly expanding economic relations between the two countries. During the discussions the following agreements have been finalised and will be signed in the near future: a Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and an Agreement Concerning the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments. Bilateral trade between South Africa and Turkey amounted to approximately R3,4 billion in 1998 and there is an encouragin g tendency on the part of Turkish companies to make direct foreign investments in South Africa. A number of South African construction companies have also been successful in tendering for major infrastructural projects in Turkey. A large number of Turkish companies recently successfully participated in the Saitex 99 exhibition, which will be followed by a high level delegation of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) in early December during which a South African/Turkish Business Council will be established.
It was also agreed to initiate discussions on, inter alia, the following agreements which would further strengthen the bilateral relations over a wide spectrum a Crime Combating Agreement; a Tourism Agreement; a Cultural, Scientific and Education Agreement ; an Inter-Institutional Scientific Cooperation Agreement; an Inter-Institutional University Cooperation Agreement; a Consular Agreement and a Legal Agreement.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
3 NOVEMBER 1999