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At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Dr Igor S Ivanov, paid an official visit to the Republic of South Africa from 14 to 17 December 2001. The two Ministers held extensive discussions that covered the full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral relations between South Africa and Russia as well as global events that are of mutual concern.

During the visit, Minister Ivanov was received by H.E. Dr Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa.

An atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding characterised the meetings and negotiations. The Sides reaffirmed that, through the partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa, they have an important role to play in strengthening peace and stability in the international arena, as well as to contribute to curbing new challenges and threats of this century. The Sides emphasised their determination to promote further development of bilateral relations aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership in the 21st century.

The Ministers initialled the draft Treaty of Friendship and Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa. This Treaty encompasses the full spectrum of relations between the two countries and it will be signed by President Mbeki and President Putin during the forthcoming State Visit to South Africa by President Putin.

The Sides expressed the need for a comprehensive approach towards the eradication of international terrorism that should involve the whole range of political, economic, financial and humanitarian measures. The need for strengthening the central and co-ordinating role of the United Nations in combating this threat was especially emphasised. The Sides confirmed their intention to expedite the finalisation and adoption by the United Nations of the Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Convention and Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism. The Sides agreed that the prevention of conflicts is an integral part of the international counter-terrorist struggle.

The South African Side reiterated its support for the right of the Russian Federation to preserve its territorial integrity and to safeguard its citizens from terrorist attacks, including the Chechen Republic.

The two Ministers agreed on the importance of closer interaction between Russia and South Africa aimed at preserving and strengthening global stability as well as unconditional observing of international treaties and agreements in the field of arms control and disarmament. Both Sides emphasised the importance of achieving these goals in order to ensure continued progress in the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and strengthening of the relevant international regimes.

The Sides regret the decision by the United States to withdraw the ABM Treaty of 1972 and emphasised the need to pursue endeavours to enhance global strategic stability.

The Sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTB Treaty) and its soonest entry into force.

Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Ivanov exchanged views on a wide range of global conflict areas and concurred that the positions of the two countries converge on the majority of issues discussed. The Russian Side highly values the South African efforts in resolving and preventing the regional conflicts on the African continent. The Russian Side appreciated the contribution made by the former President of South Africa, Mr N Mandela, in his efforts to unblock the Burundi conflict. Having expressed its fundamental support for the "New Partnership for Africa's Development" (NEPAD), the Russian Side reaffirmed its readiness to continue the efforts within the "G-8" States to ensure its practical implementation.

The Sides agreed on the urgent need to consolidate and co-ordinate the attempts aimed at the soonest normalisation of the situation in the Middle East and further steps to be taken towards a comprehensive settlement between the Arabs and the Israelis based on the Madrid Principles, particularly Resolutions 242 and 338 of the UN Security Council and the previously achieved bilateral agreements. The Sides consider that the implementation of these principles and the subsequent formula of "land in exchange for peace" should allow the Palestinians to have their own State as well as to provide reliable security for Israel.

With regard to the Iraqi problem, the Sides reaffirmed their consistent stance that this issue be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic solutions. The Sides are convinced that the practical way out of the current situation could be found in resuming the constructive dialogue between Iraq and UN Secretary-General in order to achieve an urgent settlement around Iraq on the basis of the respective UN Security Council resolutions.

In terms of specific issues regarding bilateral relations, the Sides agreed to the further development of trade and economic as well as scientific and technological co-operation. They expressed their appreciation on the current state and future prospects of the relations in the sphere of cultural exchanges. The Sides also stressed their desire to strengthen bilateral ties in the fields of education training.

The Ministers agreed to continue their personal interaction in addition to regular consultations between the representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries on issues of mutual interest.

Minister Ivanov invited Minister Dlamini Zuma to pay an official visit to Russia at her convenience. The invitation was gratefully accepted and the dates of the visit will be discussed through diplomatic channels.

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs, 15 December 2001