13 March 2000
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces the official visit to South Africa by the Hungarian Minister of Justice, Dr Ibolya David from Tuesday 14-19 March 2000.
Trade between South Africa and Hungary amounted to R228 million during 1998. South Africa is well invested in Hungary, especially in the areas of beer through SAB, the paper industry through Mondi and the development of cinemas through Ster-Kinekor. Science and Technology co-operation is focused on biotechnology, medicine, environment and agriculture.
Hungarian export to South Africa include several agricultural products, such as meat and wine. The 100 Hungarian companies located in South Africa will further enhance export. The export of South African artefacts to chain stores in Hungary will receive further attention, alongside academic exchanges, and tourism.
Hungary plays a major role in the Stability Pact on the Balkan, especially concerning the Kosovo issue. Hungary leads economic growth in its region and will soon become a member of the EU which opens up tremendous co-operation possibilities between the two countries.
During her visit to the RSA she will be the guest of honour at the Hungarian National Day Gala Dinner in Cape Town on 15 March 2000 and also the guest of honour at a similar social function in Pretoria on 18 March 2000. The latter events are part of the Hungarian Millennium Celebrations in South Africa.
She will also meet with the RSA Minister of Justice and constitutional Development, Mr PM Maduna in Cape Town on 15 March 2000 for bilateral discussions and on this occasion a "Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation between the two Justice Ministries" will be signed. It is expected that an Extradition Agreement will be finalised during the discussions.
The visit of the Hungarian Minister of Justice builds on the State Visit of former President Mandela to Hungary in April 1999 and the recent visit to the RSA by Mr Zolt Nemeth, Political State Secretary at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2000 during which a "Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Hungary" was signed.
This memorandum makes provision for regular political consultations between South Africa and Hungary on the level of Ministers and senior officials in order to intensify co-operation between the two countries.
A millennium programme - Saint Stephan, first King of Hungary was crowned in 1000, which introduced the Christian State of Hungary - has been launched in Hungary running from 1 January 2000 to 20 August 2001. This programme will focus on arts, culture, science and technology co-operation and generally serve to add further momentum to bilateral relations. In South Africa a number of public figures have agreed to participate, also involving the 6000 strong Hungarian community. Minister Ben Ngubane will be the patron of the festivities in South Africa.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell no 082-990-4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
P/BAG X152
Pretoria