The Department of Foreign Affairs announces the official visit by Foreign Minister Dr N Dlamini-Zuma to China and Japan from March 23 – 29, 2000. The Minister will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Ms BS Mabandla, and senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
This visit will be the first by Minister Dlamini-Zuma to Asia – and specifically China and Japan – in her capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In China, Foreign Minister Dlamini-Zuma will hold discussions at the Fourth Round of Consultations between the South African and Chinese Foreign Ministries with her Chinese counterpart, Mr Tang Jiaxuan. In Japan she will co-chair the Third Round of the Partnership Forum with her Japanese counterpart, Mr Y Kono.
Both China and Japan are important strategic partners for South Africa in the economic development of both South Africa in particular and Africa in general, and at multilateral fora such as in the UN system.
In China, discussions will focus on the objectives of the upcoming visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to South Africa (April 24 – 27, 2000); how the success of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum Ministerial Conference, scheduled to be held in Beijing during October 10- 12, 2000, can be ensured; exchange ideas on how China can become a partner and contributor to the African Renaissance; the promotion of investment, trade and tourism; and South-South cooperation.
In Japan, the topics for discussion will, amongst others, be the upcoming G-8 Summit; the writing-off of African debt; reform of the UN system; increased Japanese Foreign Direct Investment in Africa; market access for African products; increased cooperation in demining activities; and an exchange of ideas on how Japan could further assist peace initiatives in Africa and the African Renaissance. Future high level visits between South Africa and Japan would also be discussed.
According to South Africa trade statistics, in 1999 South African exports to China amounted to R 1,38 billion, while imports from China amounted to R 4, 6 billion. Chinese investment in South Africa have surpassed the R 500 million mark, while South African companies invested more than R 800 million in China. In 1999 South African exports to Japan amounted to R 9,9, billion and imports from Japan totaled R 10, 6 billion. Japanese Foreign Direct Investment in South Africa was in excess of R 3, 5 billion.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell no. 082 9904 853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
20 March