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Minister Pik Botha will be visiting Kazakhstan and Turkey at the invitation of those countries' governments over the next week. On his way back, he will deliver the Keynote Opening Address at the Annual Conference of the prestigious Afrika Verein (Africa Association) in Hamburg Germany.

The Caspian Sea area is rich in minerals as well as oil and gas. Kazakhstan has recently discovered large reserves and the geopolitical problems involved in transporting these and other resources to outside markets are both cardinal and complex. The area has ben called "one of the crucial sources of world energy for the 21st century."

The vital pipeline which runs through Chechnya is an important, if not fundamental, aspect of the recent military actions there. In the short term all the routes pass through zones of war or instability. It is important, therefore, to obtain a hands-on assessment of the realities of this energy-rich area of increasing world strategic importance, hitherto little known to us.

Kazakhstan is the second largest member state of the Commonwealth of Independent States after the Russian Federation. It possesses vast mineral resources and a well-developed heavy industrial base. Kazakhstan accounted for approximately 95% of chromium ore produced by the former Soviet Union, 70% of its zinc, 40% of its lead and 30% of its copper. The potential for co-operation in the field and energy affairs is beyond doubt.

Relations between South Africa and Kazakhstan have thus far been largely symbolic. Kazakhstan is interested in strengthening ties with South Africa. Suggestions have been made for negotiations to commence regarding the conclusion of various agreements, thereby giving substance to our bilateral relations and establishing a legal framework for future development. South Africa is also viewed as a potentially important economic partner.

While in Kazakhstan, Minister Botha will be meeting with President Nursultan Nazarbayev, his Prime Minister, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economics, Agriculture, Mining and Energy.

Minister Botha has for some time now and on several occasions been invited by the Turkish Government to pay a visit to their country. The Turkish Government wishes to host official visits from members of the South African Government because they are keen to learn about the new South Africa from us, and to hear how fundamental are the changes we have been through and are still bringing about. There are also important matters regarding mutual co-operation in connection with energy and mining which Minister Botha will be discussing with his Turkish colleagues.

Relations between South Africa and Turkey have been thin, with little or no high-level contact between the two Governments taking place recently. Turkey is rich in minerals, and is a major producer of chrome. There has been a significant drop in trade between the two countries. Minister Botha's visit is intended to pave the way for closer mineral and energy, political and economic relations.

In Germany Minister Botha has been invited to address the highly influential Afrika Verein Association in Hamburg on "Mining and the Mining Industry in Africa". The Association is regarded as the think-tank on Germany's Africa policy. It is holding its Annual Conference in Hamburg on the 18 April and Minister Botha will be delivering the Opening Keynote address of the Conference.

The Africa Verein Association is a prestige association formed in 1934. By Virtue of its intimate knowledge and high degree of professionalism it has become a mouthpiece for Germany's foreign economic interests including mining and minerals. Its main activities are -

- Economic evaluations on a country-by-country basis as well as specific risk assessment,
- Export promotion,
- Advice on investment matters,
- Information about flow of payments to and from Africa,
- Participation in formulating German and European economic policy regarding Africa.

The Verein represents approximately 85% of all German companies, institutions and individuals with trade, economic, developmental and related interests in Africa. It acts in the interests of its members in its dealings with the German government, the European Union and European Union institutions, African governments as well as a range of associations in Europe and Africa.

Released by Roland Darroll, media spokesperson for Minister Pik Botha.

Phone:
(o) (021) 462 2310
(cellular) 082 55 27994
(h) (012) 43 3394

Issued by: Ministry of Mineral and Energy Affairs

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