29 August 2001
South Africa today signed a R45 million Memorandum of Understanding on Development Co-operation with the Government of Flanders in the Belgian Kingdom today.
The country’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Aziz Pahad, and the Flemish Minister of Development Co-operation, Culture, Youth, Sport, and Brussels Affairs, Bert Ancaiux, signed the agreement at the Durban Chamber of Commerce this morning.
Through this long-term agreement funds will be allocated annually, according to the projects jointly agreed upon. For the year 2001 a figure of 270 million Belgian Francs has been allocated.
The agreement will contribute to sustainable development programmes and projects in the country, as identified by the South African Government.
These are in the fields of housing, welfare, transport, agriculture, tourism, employment, media, sports and culture, science and technology, communication and sport, to name but a few.
According to the agreement, the co-operation can be implemented through grants, technical co-operation and other forms of financial support.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs