Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 June 2000
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad, at the invitation of the Portuguese Foreign Ministry will participate in a seminar entitled "Euro-African Relations" from 15-16 June 2000 in Lisbon, Portugal. Following the Euro-Africa Summit in Cairo in April 2000, the seminar will examine the new perspectives of the Euro-African relationship. The seminar precedes the EU Summit on 19 July which will be addressed by President Mbeki. Deputy Minister Pahad will deliver a paper on "The African vision of relations with Europe" on Friday, 16 June 2000. Various high profile international figures are to deliver papers, including the Deputy President of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Mr Vikjay Makhan, and the former President of Senegal, Mr Abdou Diouf.
During his visit to Portugal, Mr Pahad will also hold discussions with the Portuguese Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Luis Amado. Topping the agenda will be the latest developments in Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region.
Due to the historical and cultural ties between South Africa and Portugal, relations have traditionally been close and pragmatic. This is underscored by the estimated 600 000 strong Portuguese Community in South Africa which play an important role in SA’s socio-economic development. Bilateral trade between Portugal and South Africa has increased substantially since 1994 and has ended 1998 at around R 861 million, with the trade balance in South Africa’s favour.
For enquiries contact Basetsane Thokoane
Cell no. 083 744 8230