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At the invitation of His Excellency, Mr Jean Ping, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and Francophonie, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, paid a working visit to the Republic of Gabon on 25 and 26 November 2003.

During her visit, Minister Dlamini Zuma was received by:

* His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of the Republic, Head of State, to whom she conveyed a message from His Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa
* His Excellency Mr Jean François Ntoutoume Emane, Prime Minister, Head of Government.

During their meeting, the Head of the Gabonese Government reiterated the need for the consolidation of co-operation between the two countries through increased visits by high-ranking officials, the training of Gabonese officials and the achievement of the Marina project.

Dr Dlamini Zuma held discussions with His Excellency Mr Jean Ping, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and Francophonie on a wide range of issues of mutual concern.

The two ministers exchanged views on several issues in the field of bilateral co-operation, on inter-African problems, notably on the questions of peace and security as well as the resolution of conflicts in Africa.

During these bilateral discussions, the two ministers seized the opportunity to review the political situation in the Central Africa region, with a particular focus on the Central African Republic and Sao Tomé and Principe. The two Ministers agreed to mobilise support to stabilise the situation in the Central African Republic. The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the restoration of stability in Sao Tomé and Principe.

Minister Dlamini Zuma conveyed South Africa's appreciation for the efforts of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC), in which Gabon plays an important role in bringing about stability to the Central African Republic.

The ministers expressed confidence that the African Union (AU) will consolidate political unity and economic integration of the Continent. They welcomed the achievement of the milestone of a sufficient number of ratifications to establish the Pan-African Parliament.

The ministers re-affirmed their commitment to the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). In this connection, they agreed to explore possibilities of joint NEPAD projects.

In addition to bilateral meetings with Minister Ping, Minister Dlamini Zuma took part in a working session with several ministers, during which issues of common interest were discussed.

Co-operation in the field of Transport

The Gabonese party referred to the Memorandum of Understanding regarding co-operation in the field of air transportation, which Gabon has approved. Minister Dlamini Zuma undertook to convey this message to the South African Minister of Transport with a view to hasten the process for the finalisation of the agreement.

Co-operation in the field of Health

The two parties agreed to create a legal framework regulating co-operation in the field of medical evacuations to South Africa and to develop an exchange programme for the training of Gabonese medical specialists.

Co-operation in the field of Mines and Energy

The South African and Gabonese ministers highlighted the necessity of strengthening relations between the two countries in this sector. In this context, His Excellency Mr Richard Onouviet, Minister of Mines, Energy and Hydrocarbons, today signed four mining exploration authorisations for the South African mining company, Avalanche South Africa.

Co-operation in the field of culture

The two parties agreed to create a legal framework in order to reinforce the strong historical ties and bonds between the people of South Africa and Gabon.

Within this context, the Gabonese party invited the South African party to become a member of the International Centre for aBantu Civilisation (CICIBA) and to take an active part in the next National Cultures Festival in May 2004.

The two ministers signed the following agreements on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Gabon and the Government of the Republic of South Africa:

* General Co-operation Agreement
* Tourism Co-operation Agreement.

At the end of the visit, Her Excellency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expressed her sincere appreciation to His Excellency, El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of the Republic of Gabon, the government, Minister of State Jean Ping and the people of Gabon, for the warm hospitality extended to her and her delegation.

Minister Dlamini Zuma extended an official invitation to Minister Jean Ping to visit South Africa. Minister Jean Ping accepted the invitation. The date will be conveyed through the diplomatic channel.

Done in Libreville on 26 November 2003

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs

27 November 2003