Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
11 April 2001
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Aziz Pahad paid a successful official visit to the Republic of Iraq from 7-10 April 2001.
During the visit the Deputy Minister met with the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Tareq Aziz, the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Nizar Hamdoon, the senior Deputy Minister of Oil, Mr TH Mosa and the Commissioner of the Iraqi Electricity Commission, Mr SF Mahjoob. The Deputy Minister also held discussions with the United Nations Co-ordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Iraq, Mr Tun Myat, as well as the Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Iraq, Mr Beat Schweizer.
During the bilateral discussions with the senior Government officials emphasis was placed on the need to enhance the economic relations between South Africa and Iraq. In this context detailed deliberations were held between representatives of Eskom and the Iraqi Electricity Commission on the basis of the Minute of Understanding concluded in September 2001 in Pretoria. Discussions were also held on ways and means to improve the co-operation between South Africa and Iraq in the oil industry.
There was agreement that our private sectors and parastatals are not exploiting the tremendous potential that exist to develop our bilateral economic relations.
During discussions with both the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Tarequ Aziz, and the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Nizar Hamdoon, fruitful exchange of views took place on closer political co-operation and co-ordination between South Africa and Iraq. In this context, it was agreed that there is a need for more regular high-level contacts and consultations between South Africa and Iraq.
The two sides welcomed the intended humanitarian flight from South Africa to Iraq to deliver humanitarian assistance arranged by the civil society organizer under the umbrella of the Iraq Action Committee. It was agreed that the humanitarian flight to Iraq will take place in the middle of May 2001.
The other important issue discussed by the two sides was the question of the suffering and damage to Iraq caused by international sanctions against Iraq. They deplored the deepening humanitarian crisis resulting from there sanctions. Both sides agreed on the imperative of lifting of the sanctions to halt the further destruction of the fabric of the Iraqi society. They called for the normalization of the Middle East region and the resolution of all the problems associated with the Middle East.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853.