Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
11 October 2001
1. INTRODUCTION
The Second Session of the South African - Swedish Binational Commission (BNC) took place in Pretoria, South Africa from 10 to 11 October 2001.
The Session was co-chaired by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Mrs Lena Hjelm-Wallen.
In their opening remarks, the chairpersons noted that the long-standing bonds of friendship between South Africa and Sweden characterised the warm and constructive spirit of cooperation that marked the preparations for this year’s BNC.
The overarching theme of the 2001 Session of the BNC was the New African Initiative (NAI). The Plenary Session of the BNC received a briefing on the NAI and a discussion was held on Sweden’s position concerning the NAI and how it could support it.
2. BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS
In bilateral discussions between Deputy President Zuma and Deputy Prime Minister Hjelm-Wallen the following issues were discussed:
3. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following are the summaries of the reports presented by the specialised committees to the Binational Commission:
3.1 POLITICAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Bilateral Relations
It was agreed that bilateral relations between South Africa and Sweden were excellent and that the BNC served as a useful mechanism to further consolidate and promote relations.
Regional Issues
New African Initiative
The NAI was discussed at length and the South African side emphasised the importance of Sweden’s political support for NAI, also in the EU context, as well as the need to mobilise private sector involvement in this initiative. Both sides agreed that a balanced approach between good governance and development issues should be adopted in promoting NAI. The Swedish side elaborated on the extent of Sweden’s involvement in this initiative, notably through the increase of ODA targets. The Swedish side re-affirmed its support, in principle, for NAI.
African Union
The Constitutive Act of the African Union was discussed with special focus on the way forward, including the operationalisation of the African Union. The Swedish delegation welcomed the progress made in reforming African regional cooperation, including the development of the AU. The Swedish side expressed its willingness to continue its support to the OAU/AU, specifically on capacity building, not least in the area of conflict prevention and management resolution.
SADC/EU
It was agreed that the cooperation and dialogue should be re-vitalised with the focus on priority areas of cooperation. To implement these priorities SADC needs to reinforce its financial, human and institutional capacity. The Swedish side welcomed recent positive developments regarding the reform of SADC and committed itself to support the strengthening of SADC.
Europe/Africa – Follow-up to the Cairo Summit
The follow-up to the Cairo Summit was discussed with special reference to the Ministerial Conference scheduled in Brussels on 11 October 2001. It was agreed that Africa – Europe cooperation is of vital importance and that momentum be maintained with the implementation of the decisions of the Cairo Summit. Sweden informed of its role as co-ordinator on democracy and human rights and in this context invited South Africa to participate in elaborating an Action Plan against human trafficking.
African – Nordic Security Meeting
Progress was reviewed since the constructive meeting hosted by the Swedish Foreign Minister in Stockholm in December 2000. The Swedish side indicated that a follow-up meeting is scheduled in Stockholm on 10-11 January 2002 where issues related to conflict prevention would be further discussed.
Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management
The South African side briefed the Swedish side on the current situation in Zimbabwe. Both sides expressed concern at the present situation in Zimbabwe and noted the constructive role and involvement of SADC in this process. The importance of fair and free elections in Zimbabwe was underlined.
The South African side briefed the Swedish side on the recent developments in Angola and both sides agreed on the need for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Angola. Both sides agreed that the current humanitarian crisis in Angola was of particular concern and expressed their commitment to assist Angola with various forms of humanitarian aid.
The South African side briefed the Swedish side on recent developments pertaining to the peace process in the DRC and Burundi. As far as the DRC is concerned, both sides were encouraged by the progress made towards the further implementation of the Lusaka Agreement with specific reference to the impending start of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue. As regards to Burundi, both sides noted the positive developments regarding the implementation of the Arusha Agreement.
Swedish Presidency of the EU
The Swedish side briefed the South African delegation on a number of important initiatives launched in an EU-context:
World Summit for Sustainable Development
The South African side briefed the Swedish delegation, on South Africa’s goals and objectives regarding the arrangements for the proposed World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held in Johannesburg in September 2002. A broad outline was also given on South Africa’s views on the substantive issues to be discussed at the WSSD. Sweden indicated its support for South Africa’s efforts and undertook to intensify its cooperation with South Africa towards a successful conclusion of the Summit. The Swedish side expressed interest in a possible manifestation with the host countries of the Stockholm (1972), Rio de Janeiro (1992) and Johannesburg Summits.
World Conference Against Racism
The World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) was discussed and both sides agreed on the importance of holding such a conference given the growing phenomena of racism and xenophobia world-wide. Both sides agreed that the outcome achieved was commendable and the Swedish delegation complimented South Africa on the role which it had played in achieving a constructive outcome.
International Issues of Mutual Concern
Middle East
The situation in the Middle East was discussed in general and the importance of supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts in the region was emphasised. The South African side stressed the important role of the European Union in bringing peace to the Middle East and both sides welcomed the recently expressed position by the USA on the right of the Palestinians to a State.
3.2 ECONOMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Bilateral Trade and Economic Relations
The two sides noted with satisfaction the trend of increased trade on both sides reaching almost 4 billion Rands (Yr. 2000). Particularly noted, in recent years is the emergence of manufactured and capital goods in the export basket from South Africa.
Swedish-South Africa Business Fund (SSBF) – update
The SSBF has made some successes, but there is room for improvement. So far the fund has contributed to the establishment of six formal business relations, either joint ventures or agents agreements. Both parties agreed on the critical importance of the review that is scheduled for 2002.
Information and Communications Technology
The two sides expressed willingness to further intensify their cooperation in the sector against the background of its importance for economic and social development.
The committee agreed to plan for a visit by a South African delegation to Sweden in January 2002 to coincide with COMDEX-Nordic Fair in Gothenburg.
New Areas for cooperation
Export promotion (South Africa to Sweden)
The committee welcomed Sweden’s suggestion of a pilot project proposal concerning enhanced exportation of South African fruit, vegetables, and flowers as well as certain manufactured goods.
Tourism
South Africa highlighted the importance of leveraging complete economic benefits from tourism as an industry. The committee expressed its willingness to consider concrete proposals in this area.
Multilateral issues
WTO
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the launch of a new round of multilateral trade negotiations. The agenda of the round should be broad and balanced to accommodate the interests of the developing countries.
Debt Relief and Economic Reform
As a country that is highly active in the area of debt relief, Sweden presented its position. This was welcomed by South Africa as debt relief enhances developmental capacity.
SA – EU TDCA
South Africa welcomed Sweden’s ratification of the South Africa-EU Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), and hoped that other EU member countries would follow suit. The Committee underlined the importance of early and mutual ratification and full implementation of the agreement.
SADC FTA
The committee welcomed the developments in the SADC region with regard to the establishment of the Free Trade Area. In addition, the committee encouraged the work towards the completion of the Finance and Investment Sector Protocol, recognising its importance to trade and investment.
3.3 SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AFFAIRS
International Agenda for Development
HIV/AIDS The discussion reflected the seriousness of HIV/AIDS and its negative impact on
development in South Africa. It was agreed that success depends on the implementation of a broad-based articulated approach to the pandemic.
The Committee noted the importance of bring policy-makers, scientists and communities together, and welcomed in this regard, the organising of a Health Forum; between Swedish and South African Institutions to facilitate greater co-operation in dealing with a variety of public health challenges.
It was agreed that the two countries as members of the Transitional Working Group should remain in close contact, finalising the way the Global Fund will be operated.
Financing for Development
The Committee agreed to share information and consult on the preparations for the UN Conference on Financing for Development since there is a shared view held on key issues to be discussed.
Other international issues of importance
The Committee recognised the joint commitment and common values held and agreed to pursue within the UN the agenda for social and economic development as well as for the promotion and protection of human rights. It was agreed to intensify contacts and consultations inter alia through the respective Missions in Geneva and New York, with a view to contribute towards bridging the North-South divide.
Broadening of Bilateral Cooperation
Ongoing Development Cooperation
The Committee agreed that a Mid-Term report is to be prepared and to be finalised at the Annual Consultations on Development Cooperation that will take place on 15-16 November 2001.
The Committee noted that human resource development and capacity building is one of the most important aspects of the South Africa – Swedish cooperation.
The Committee agreed that within the ongoing cooperation there is a well defined approach on capacity building, particularly for previously disadvantaged groups.
Institutional Co-operation
The Annual Consultations on Development Cooperation will discuss ways in which institutional cooperation could be broadened and strengthened and how consultations and the exchanges of experience and expertise could be further promoted in existing and new areas. On the basis of these discussions the third session of the BNC should focus its discussions on ways to sustain institutional cooperation beyond grant-based cooperation;
The Committee welcomed the launch of the Technical Cooperation Facility to pursue better institutional cooperation. It finances short-term assignments involving Swedish institutions and has, in other countries, proven to stimulate further cooperation and long lasting institutional relations;
It was agreed that the areas of cooperation be extended to allow for the other departments within the Justice Cluster to participate in the further development of South African – Swedish institutional cooperation.
Health It was agreed that the practical steps to establish the Health Forum would be:
Arts and Culture
Education
The Committee took note that the South African Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, has invited his counterpart, the Swedish Minister of Education and Science, Mr Thomas Ostros, to visit South Africa from 28 November to 1 December 2001 to further cement collaboration between institutions.
Possible Modes of Cooperation in Third Countries in Africa
The Committee agreed to explore possible areas for cooperation, and how to coordinate actions in third countries in Africa.
Research, Science and Technology
The Committee welcomed the progress made in the Swedish - South African Research Partnership Programme as an example of successful South African – Swedish cooperation. The Committee agreed that broader policy discussion should be held and the model should be expanded to allow for a wider scope of sectors for participation.
4. CONCLUSION
The Chairpersons of the BNC stressed the importance of the BNC as an effective mechanism for the further deepening and strengthening of Swedish-South African relations.
In their concluding remarks, they congratulated the committees on having achieved many of their objectives by producing practical work programmes, and concrete projects that reflect the excellent relations between the two countries.