6 March 2000
South Africa's Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma concludes a succcessful bilateral visit to Burundi on Monday.
She met with Burundian President Buyoya, the country's two vice presidents, cabinet ministers, the speaker of the national assembly and a wide variety of religious organisation to business leaders, women's organisations, research institutes, human rights organisations, youth groups, trade union movements and diplomatic groups.
Through her interaction, Zuma sought to gain first hand experience and knowledge of the actual reality of the country and the Burundi people.
The Burundi government urged the SA government to fully support the peace process and appealed to DlaminiZuma to encourage SA private and public sector participation in re-launching and developing their economy and in particular explore exchanges in areas of mining, electrical and hydro-energy development, education, telecommunications, agriculture and transport.
Minister Zuma on her part reiterated and emphasised the need for the strengthening and improvement of bilateral co-operation through public and private sector involvement.
"Available economic opportunities and possible areas of Co-Operation will be brought to the attention of South Africans in order to initiate in-depth discussions with their Burundian counterparts," Minister dlamini-Zuma said.
She further appealed to the international community to assist in the economic development crucial for the peace process.
She had the opportunity to visit re-groupment camps and urged for the speeding up of the peace process so that people could return to their homes.
The Minister proceeds on Monday with her visit to the OAU council of ministers in Addis-Abbiba.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Daniel Ngwepe