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Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad to host Syrian counterpart for discussions
31 January 2007
Pretoria: South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will host his Syrian counterpart Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Faisal Mikdad for discussions at the Diplomatic Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday, 31 January 2007.
Deputy Minister Pahad will host his counterpart within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate bilateral relations with Syria and promote the peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict.
Issues on the agenda of discussions are expected to include, among others:
* the status of bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries
* developments in Iraq
* the Israel-Palestinian peace process including the outcome of discussions between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal in Syria earlier this month
* issues of multilateral importance with regard to South Africa's accession to the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council and the comprehensive reform of the United Nations.
While in South Africa, Vice Minister Mikdad is expected to hold discussions with Ministers Naledi Pandor, Ronnie Kasrils, Dr Essop Pahad and Deputy Minister Jabu Moleketi.
Vice Minister Mikdad will depart from South Africa on Sunday, 4 February 2007.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Year: 2001
Imports: R5 188 874
Exports: R38 460 645
Year: 2002
Imports: R6 440 069
Exports R60 423 477
Year: 2003
Imports: R5 546 522
Exports: R109 955 787
Year: 2004
Imports: R3 696 001
Exports: R21 841 631
Year: 2005
Imports: R4 318 090
Exports: R39 134 003
Year: 2006 (Jan-Oct)
Imports: R3 362 519
Exports R43 715 547
Source: South African Revenue Service
Main imports from Syria in 2006 consisted of vegetable products, textiles and textiles articles.
Main exports to Syria in 2006 consisted of base metals, articles of base metals, chemical products, prepared foodstuffs, beverages and manufactured tobacco substitutes.
MTN recently bought ownership of Areeba, a hitherto Lebanese-owned cellphone company with main operations in Syria. The investment amounts to in excess of US$1 billion
The MTN-Areeba deal is sure to be a springboard and forerunner for similar South African investments in Syria.
Media programme for visit to South Africa by Syrian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Faisal Mikdad
Tuesday 30 January 2007
12h00: Vice Minister Dr Faisal Mikdad to hold discussions with Deputy Minister Jabu Moleketi
16h00: Vice Minister Dr Faisal Mikdad to hold discussions with Minister Naledi Pandor
Wednesday 31 January 2007
09h30: Arrival of media ahead of photo opportunity on commencement of discussions between Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad and Vice Minister Dr Faisal Mikdad
Venue: Diplomatic Guesthouse, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria
(Please present press cards)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
10h00: Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad and Vice Minister Dr Faisal Mikdad to hold bilateral political and economic discussions
Photo opportunity
11h30: Arrival of media ahead of joint press conference by Deputy Minister Pahad and Vice Minister Mikdad on conclusion of discussions
Venue: Diplomatic Guesthouse, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria
(Please present press cards)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
12h00: Joint press conference
16h30: Vice Minister Dr Faisal Mikdad to hold discussions with Minister Ronnie Kasrils
Saturday 3 February 2007
15h00: Vice Minister Dr Faisal Mikdad to hold discussions with Minister Essop Pahad
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 January 2007