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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, announces the State Visit to and Joint Bilateral Commission meeting with Libya by President Thabo and Mrs Mbeki from Wednesday, 12 June to Friday, 14 June 2002.

The Joint Bilateral Commission will, among others, discuss the follow areas:

* The launch of the African Union in Durban later this year, and NEPAD;
* International issues such as WSSD, Middle East conflict, etc;
* The enhancement of trade and investment relations by signing agreements on trade and protection of investment;
* The exploration of opportunities for South African companies in the upstream and downstream activities in the oil and hydrocarbon industries of the Libyan economy;
* The facilitation of bilateral air and maritime links as well as inter-African links;
* Securing the participation of Libyan investment companies (LAFICC and LAAICO) for investment in the privatisation of our State Owned Enterprises (SOEs); and
* Exploration of opportunities for the South African agricultural sector in the Libyan market.

The President's delegation will include Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Alec Erwin, Dullah Omar, Jeff Radebe, Thoko Didiza, Lindiwe Sisulu and Deputy Minister Susan Shabangu, Rev Chikane, - Director-General in the Presidency and Titus Mafolo, - political advisor to the President.

BACKGROUND

Democratic elections held in South Africa in April 1994 allowed the South African Government to consolidate its strong relationship with the Libyan Government. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1995 with Libya and South Africa signing a Declaration of Intent.

During his visit to Tripoli at the end of 1998, former President Mandela announced the intention of opening a mission in Tripoli. Ambassador Ebrahim Saley has since April 2001, been appointed as South Africa's representative to Libya.

In 1998, Minister Erwin and his counterpart initialled the final draft of a trade agreement in Sirte, Libya, which still reeds to be formally signed. This was followed by an exchange of draft documents pertaining to agreements in the fields of agriculture (animal health) finance (avoidance of double taxation and customs co-operation), science and technology, tourism, sport, mines and minerals and joint commissions of co-operation.

In March 2001, Minister Dlamini Zuma signed a Joint Commission of Co-operation (JCC). A new trade agreement has also now been finalised (2001) and is ready for signature.

The following bilateral visits have taken place since the establishment of diplomatic relations:

* The late Minister Nzo visited Libya during April 1996;

* A parliamentary delegation, led by Ms TE Mtintso MP, visited Libya during the first week of September 1996 to attend the 19th Conference of the Union of African Parliaments.

* The Libyan Secretary-General for Foreign Liaison and International Co-operation, accompanied by a large delegation of representatives of Libyan state enterprises, visited South Africa during June 1997. He had successful discussions with the late Minister Nzo and a Declaration of Intent on General Co-operation was signed;

* Former president Mandela visited Libya twice in September/October 1997 en route to and from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the UK. On the second leg he presented President Ghadaffi with a decoration;

* Deputy Minister Pahad led a business delegation to Libya in April 1998, after which a joint communiqué was signed;

* Early in 1999 former President Mandela and the King of Saudi Arabia announced a combined, special assignment, which dispatched Professor Gerwel and Prince Bandar on several trips to Libya; and former president Mandela again visited Libya in March 1999 to discuss the Lockerbie impasse.

* Minister Erwin led a business delegation to Libya in early May 1999. A trade agreement was finalised at the time and will be signed at the forthcoming JBC in Tripoli. Minister Erwin was accompanied by Minister Maduna and Deputy Minister Pahad.

* The former Minister of Communication, Mr Jay Naidoo, travelled through Libya with his African Connection Rally, March 1999.

* Minister Dlamini Zuma visited Libya in November 2000 regarding the release of Kallie and Monique Strydom (hostage crisis).

It is expected that several agreements may be signed during the Joint Bilateral Commission scheduled to coincide with the State Visit.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

10 June 2002