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At the invitation of His Excellency, Mr Rodolphe Adada, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and Francophonie, Her Excellency Honourable Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, undertook a working visit to the Republic of Congo on 24 and 25 November 2003.

During her visit, Minister Dlamini Zuma paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Congo, His Excellency Mr Denis SASSOU-N'GUESSO.

She also met the Speakers of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

During her visit, Honourable Minister Dlamini Zuma exchanged views with her Congolese counterpart on a wide range of issues, including bilateral, regional, continental and global issues.

On this occasion, the two ministers made an assessment of the cooperation between the two countries since the official visit made by Minister Rodolphe Adada to South Africa in October 2001.

They particularly appreciated the progress made in strengthening and consolidating the multi-fold friendship and bonds of solidarity linking the peoples of both countries as well as their governments.

In accordance with the will expressed by both President Thabo Mbeki and Denis SASSOU-N'GUESSO, the two ministers agreed that they will do their utmost to strengthen and diversify their bilateral relations.

Considering the international situation, the two ministers focused on issues relating to international peace and security, and stressed the central role of the United Nations in the preservation of peace and the settlement of conflict in the world.

The two countries commended the transitional government and the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the progress made in establishing lasting peace in that country. Important milestones in this regard include the successful conclusion of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue (ICD) and the inauguration of the transitional government.

Minister Adada appraised Minister Dlamini Zuma about developments in the Central African Republic, Sao Tome and Principe. The ministers reaffirmed their support for an all-inclusive political dialogue as a means for a durable solution to the problems in the Central African Republic. On Sao Tome and Principe, the ministers expressed their satisfaction with the commendable progress made in restoring stability in Sao Tome and Principe.

The ministers exchanged views on the forthcoming Great Lakes Conference and agreed that the conference presents an opportunity for discussing problems faced by countries in the region, and developing a comprehensive approach to their resolution.

Both ministers expressed confidence that the African Union will further consolidate unity and integration on the Continent. They welcomed the reaching of the milestones of a sufficient number of ratifications to establish the Pan African Parliament (PAP). Countries on the African continent were urged to ratify the Peace and Security Council so that this Council can also come into force. The two ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the African Union's economic development programme of action. In this connection, they agreed to explore possibilities of joint NEPAD programmes between the two countries.

With a view to laying the legal foundations of the co-operation between the two countries and to strengthen bilateral relations, the ministers signed a Co-operation Agreement between the Republic of Congo and the Republic of South Africa. The agreement makes provision for the establishment of a Joint Cooperation Commission between the two countries in various fields of common interest.

The two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding that characterised the discussions.

At the end of her visit, Her Excellency Honourable Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expressed her gratitude to the government and people of the Congo for the invitation and hospitality extended to her and her delegation during their visit in the Republic of Congo.

Done at Brazzaville on 25 November 2003, in English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic.

Signed by HE Dr NC Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for the Government of the Republic of South Africa

Signed by HE Rodolphe Adada, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for the Government of the Republic of Congo

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs

25 November 2003