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27 Nov 2009

President Jacob Zuma held a bilateral meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Port of Spain today, 27 November 2009. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago.

In discussions with President Sarkozy, President Zuma focused on the strengthening of bilateral ties between South Africa and France, the upcoming climate change summit in Copenhagen and continued partnership between developed and emerging economies in areas of economic development.

On climate change, President Zuma emphasised South Africa's position on the need for an agreement on carbon emission reduction that recognises the differentiated responsibilities of developed and developing countries, and which ensures sufficient funding for responses to the effect of climate change on poorer countries.

Developed countries need to commit to ambitious, legally binding emission reduction targets in accordance with the requirements of science. Developing countries need to undertake emission reduction action that is measurable, reportable and verifiable.

"The future multilateral climate change regime needs to resolve the current challenge and potential future crisis of the devastating impact of climate change on our continent. Equally, it must support the building of future sustainable economic development, competitiveness and growth in a manner that avoids emissions and enhances social and environmental development in South Africa and in the African continent," President Zuma said.

In a toast to the Commonwealth at a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II this evening President Zuma said while the ties that bind Commonwealth countries are rooted in history, the value of the Commonwealth lies in the future.

"As we celebrate 60 years, it is appropriate that we commit ourselves to serving a new generation. The Commonwealth must therefore continue to strive to ensure the youth are able to determine their own future."

"As we look to the needs of a new generation, we will hold fast to the principles and values that have characterised our organisation. We will hold fast to the vision of the better world we seek to build," President Zuma said.

On Saturday, 28 November 2009, President Zuma is due to hold bilateral meetings with the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen.

The CHOGM Summit ends on Sunday, 29 November 2009.

For more information contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024

Issued by: The Presidency
27 November 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)

Issued by: The Presidency
27 Nov 2009

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