Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 January 2002
A five member multi-party Parliamentary delegation from India visited South Africa from 27 to 30 January 2002, as part of a tri-nation tour, viz.: South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal.
The delegation, headed by Mr. Sharief ud–din Shariq, Head of the Special Parliamentary Committee of India, met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad, to explain their perspectives on the Kashmir issue; the deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan; and the recent attacks on Indian soil.
Their most obvious concern is that of terrorism, and the need to combat all forms of terrorism on a global scale. Deputy Minister Pahad re-iterated the importance of campaigning against terrorism, in all its forms, under the direction of the UN and the paradigms of the Rule of Law. He stressed South Africa’s total commitment to the international combat against terrorism, and importantly, the need for there to be an international agreement on the definition of terrorism.
The delegation alluded to South Africa’s influential role within the NAM, Commonwealth and OAU, and expressed that " without dialogue with South Africa on this issue (terrorism), diplomatic efforts would be incomplete ".
South Africa shares a strategic partnership with India, and it was agreed to strengthen the existing political and economic interaction, and focus on a more realistic partnership in the arena of development.
The delegation also met with Deputy President Zuma, Speaker of the National Assembly and members of the Foreign Affairs Portfolio Committee.
For more information, please contact Dumisani Rasheleng Office No. {012} 351 0067 / 0128 Cell No. 083 709 8166