Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
27 March 2000
The Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Joshka Fischer, will be visiting South Africa from 30 – 31 March 2000 for the second session of the SA-German Binational Commission. The Vice Chancellor will jointly chair the South African/German Binational Commission (BNC) meeting to be held in Pretoria on the above mentioned dates, with Deputy President Mr Jacob Zuma.
The visit by Vice Chancellor Fischer, underscores the significant and strong ties between South Africa and Germany. It is in recognition of Germany’s ongoing contribution in the transformation of South Africa, particularly towards the upliftment of disadvantaged South Africans, in its trade and technical co-operation assistance, direct investment and international support in multilateral fora, as well as the role German companies play in South Africa.
The BNC is aimed at facilitating high-level dialogue and promotion of co- operation on key issues of mutual concern to South Africa and Germany. It is an illustration of the mutual solidarity and co-operation between the two countries in dealing with successes and problems. This structured relationship will add impetus to development, more science and technology exchanges, appreciation of human capital and the raising of skills of all our people.
The BNC consists of five special committees, namely, Defence, Development, Economics, Environment and Science and Technology. It is significant that an additional special Committee, that for Culture, will be formed, which at this point in time, has special interest and emphasis on human resources development.
The Vice Chancellor’s visit builds on the successful establishment of the BNC in Bonn, in October 1997 by then Deputy President, Mr Thabo Mbeki, and the former Chancellor, Mr Klaus Kinkel, as the most suitable instrument to enhance and manage bilateral relations between South Africa and Germany. In fact the establishment of the BNC marked a new era in relations between the two nations.
Germany is South Africa’s largest trading partner. Increased trade between South Africa and Germany amounts to about 28 billion Rand. Some 360 German companies have already established themselves in South Africa, providing more than 65 000 jobs. German investments to date amount to about 20 billion Rand.
In turn South Africa is Germany’s biggest trade and investment partner in Africa. The deliberations of the second session of the BNC will therefore further enhance and deepen relations between the two countries.
During his visit, the Vice Chancellor will also meet with President Thabo Mbeki and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma.