Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs and the German Embassy
31 March 2000
Deputy Presdent Jacob Zuma and Vice-Chancellor Joschka fischer jointly chaired the second meeting of the South African/German Binational Commission, held in Pretoria on 30 and 31 March 2000.
In his closing remarks, Deputy President Zuma thanked the Vice-chancellor for the spirit of warm and constructive cooperation that has marked the preparation for the Binational Commission meeting, the work of the special Committees of the Commission and for the concrete results that have been achieved. These results illustrated the mutual solidarity and partnership between the two countries in dealing with the challenges facing both countries, into the new millennium. In their concluding remarks both Co-Chairs of the second meeting of the German/South African BiNational Commission congratulated the Special Committees for having achieved their objectives by producing a practical work programme and projects that are directed at the achievement of common goals, inherent in the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The deliberations of this BiNational Commission were signified by the creation of an additional Special Committee, namely that for Culture. Both Chairpersons in their opening remarks alluded to the significance of this Special Committee, which reflect the desire of both countries to expand and intensify their cultural co-operation, friendship and mutual understanding.
The new Special Committee for Culture met for the first time during the current session of the BiNational Commission. A protocol was signed that will constitute the basis to further develop the cultural co-operation between both countries in the field of education, training, science, arts, youth exchanges and others. Both sides agreed that the existing programmes in higher education will be enhanced. A list of concrete projects and proposed areas of co-operation in the field of cultural and language exchange and training have been discussed.
All the existing Special Committees have presented reports which have shown impressive achievements with a special focus on joint practical co-operation and mutual benefit.
The Science and Technology Cooperation Commission, based on the intergovernmental agreement signed in 1996, has largely concentrated on high-level research, the development of technological know-how and technology transfer as well as on the exchange of scientists. there is also significant work being done in relation to joint research projects at tertiary and other research institutions, including industry. there is a consciousness of the need to involve the research facilities at previously disadvantaged research institutions in South Africa.
The Environmental Committee, in the light of the interdepartmental agreement signed in 1998, has concentrated on information/know-how exchange, capacity building and on a partnership concerning various international environmental issues. In December 1999, the two Ministers for the environment have agreed upon an ambitious work program for the next two years covering the following areas: clean production technologies, waste management, recultivation of mining areas, environmentally friendly energy supply, environmentally sound tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. The work program, as agreed upon by the Environment Committee, also includes co-operation projects in the field of water management. The first meeting of the bilateral co-ordinators will take place in June/July 2000 in Berlin.
The Economic Committee, discussed a wide range of matters pertaining to promoting investments as well as strengthening trade links between the respective countries. In this context, the conclusions reached were that the Mutual Protection and Promotion of Investments Agreement brought into effect in 1998, and the recent SA/EU Trade and Development Co-operation Agreement would make an important contribution. Specific measures to facilitate trade and investments were addressed. The issue of multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO and the conditions for a successful continuation of such negotiations were also intensively discussed. The Committee was tasked to urgently consider measures to enhance South Africa's penetration of the German market by Small, Micro and Medium sized Enterprises.
During the third quarter of 1998, the Development Cooperation Committee undertook a strategy process in order to achieve greater focus in the development programme and align it close to South Africa's development priorities. The results of this process informed the 1999 negotiations held in Bonn where the new project commitments were made. During the same year the German Government undertook to provide additional amounts of DM 36 million and DM 25 million for the implementation of projects under financial and technical cooperation, respectively. Official Development Cooperation has now entered its sixth year. To date, DM 379,35 million has been committed to development cooperation activities, split approximately evenly between financial and technical cooperation.
The Defence Committee, which represents the defence establishments of both countries, reflects the close cooperation on military issues, already started in 1996. Fruitful work was done to implement management plans to secure a close partnership between South Africa and Germany and both armed forces on the security political level and in the field of military cooperation. There is a particular emphasis on peacekeeping and training.
Human Resources Development represents an issue of overriding importance to South Africa and it was therefore welcomed that Human Resources Development featured prominently in the deliberations of all the Special Committees. During the deliberations, it was also agreed that further discussions would be held towards the establishment of a Justice and Anti-Crime Cooperation Committee.
In thanking Vice Chancellor Fischer and his delegation for visiting South Africa, Deputy President Zuma emphasised that the Binational Commission has indeed proved to be a highly useful mechanism to enhance and manage bilateral relations between the two countries. The outcome will contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africa's people on a sustainable basis. The deliberations have also contributed significantly towards the deepening of South Africa's relationship with Germany and will provide impetus for even closer co-operation in future. The next meeting will take place in Germany.