26 July 2000
FINAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE VISIT OF UNDER-SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT HE KHALED AL-JARALLAH TO SOUTH AFRICA FROM 17-21 JULY 2000 AND SOUTH AFRICAN-KUWAITI BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS ON 18 JULY 2000.
The Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, H.E. Khaled Al-Jarallah, paid an official visit to the Republic of South Africa during the period 17-21 July 2000, in response to an invitation from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aziz Pahad. Mr. Al-Jarallah and Mr. Pahad signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations on 17 July, which commits the parties "to a sincere and constructive dialogue concerning all aspects of bilateral relations".
During the bilateral discussions held on Tuesday, 18 July, in Pretoria, attended by the Under-Secretary and Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, both sides welcomed the steady progress being made in relations between the two countries.
Mr. Al-Jarallah and Dr Zuma furthermore urged African leaders in areas of conflict on the Continent to cooperate with regional and international peace initiatives to solve outstanding problems in a peaceful, just and equitable manner. The Under-Secretary praised South Africa's efforts to assist the different parties to achieve these aims.
Both Mr. Al-Jarallah and Dr Zuma reaffirmed the commitment to all Security Council Resolutions relating to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. They also reiterated the NAM's position, which stressed the need for Iraq to implement all relevant Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 1284 and the need for early action to follow up the release of Kuwaiti and third country prisoners/detainees and the return of Kuwaiti property seized by Iraq.
Mr. Al-Jarallah paid a courtesy call on the Deputy President Mr. Jacob Zuma and held talks with the Minister of Defence Mr. Mosiuoa Lekota. He also met with the Minister of Transport, Mr. Abdullah Omar.
During his visit the Under-Secretary met with a number of South African business people and had the opportunity to visit some South African industrial undertakings.
For inquiries please contact Daniel Ngwepe
Cell no: 082 858 0295
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRIVATE BAG X152
Pretoria
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