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17 March 2008

The South African President Thabo Mbeki will host his Indonesian counterpart, President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on a state visit to South Africa scheduled to take place from Saturday to Tuesday, 15 to 18 March 2008.

The aim of the visit is to further strengthen and deepen the good relations existing between South Africa and Indonesia. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral, political and trade issues. They will also review progress on priority areas identified during the visit by President Mbeki to Indonesia in 2005 and subsequent visits by both the Vice President and the Deputy President. It is envisaged that several agreements will be signed to further consolidate the existing relations.

Since President Mbeki's visit to Indonesia in 2005, progress has been made in building a solid base for close cooperation on the areas that the two Heads of State identified as priority areas. These include: Trade and investment, finance and banking, tourism, agriculture, arts and culture, education, science and technology and security. This is reflected in the exchange of high-level visits between ministers, premiers and senior government officials. Consequently, the inaugural Joint Commission Meeting between the two countries was held on 25 to 26 February 2008 in Batam, Indonesia.

During President Mbeki's visit to Indonesia in 2005, the Asian and African countries at the Asia-Africa Summit adopted a framework for Inter-Continental Solidarity to be defined by focus on human resource development, Economic Cooperation and exchange of information. The two leaders as co-chairs of this initiative which was translated into the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP) will also review progress in preparation for the next Asia-Africa Summit which is scheduled to take place in 2009, in South Africa.

South Africa and Indonesia trade relations

The two-way trade of South Africa and Indonesia has expanded by 18% to USD641,7 million in 2006, in comparison with 2005. The trade between the two countries is annually increasing at about 15%. However, the trade figure is significantly in favour of Indonesia, as is the case with nearly all South Africa's trade partners in Asia.

South Africa's main exports to Indonesia are:

* pulp of wood
* base metals and steel articles
* chemicals
* machinery/mechanical/electrical equipment
* fruits and fruit juices.

South Africa's main imports from Indonesia are:

* machinery and appliances
* plastic products
* palm oil
* textile and textile articles
* chemicals.

South Africa and Indonesia have concerted their efforts to explore areas of co-operation. The Indonesian National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) are very active in facilitating Indonesian business in a number of trade promotion and exhibitions in South Africa. Meanwhile, South African companies such as DigiCore, Skyriders, Fresh World, Explochem, Denel, AEL, Standard Bank, several wineries, such as KWV, Distell International, Cape Bay, De Wetshof, etc., are active in exploring opportunities in Indonesia.

As part of efforts to consolidate trade agreements and addressing impediments in trade relations, South Africa and Indonesia launched the Joint Trade Commission (JTC) meeting in May 2006. The JTC is tasked with reviewing existing trade relations, identifying obstacles and barricading effective flow of trade between the two countries.

Media programme for State Visit to South Africa by Indonesian, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Monday 17 March 2008

09h30: Arrival of media ahead of official welcoming ceremony in honour of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria
Please RSVP and present press cards

10h30: Arrival of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono - to be received by President Thabo Mbeki

Media in attendance

10h55: Official photo opportunity

11h00: Bilateral discussions between President Thabo Mbeki and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

11h00: Arrival of media ahead of signing ceremony and joint press conference by President Thabo Mbeki and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Venue: Media Centre, Union Buildings, Pretoria

12h20: Signing ceremony

*Joint press conference by President Thabo Mbeki and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

18h00: Media arrive for photo opportunity ahead of Official Banquet hosted by President Thabo Mbeki in honour of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Venue: Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria
Please RSVP and present press cards

19h30: State Banquet hosted by President Thabo Mbeki in honour of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

*Media in attendance for photo opportunity and toast remarks

For further information contact:
Sam Bopape
Cell: 082 318 5251

Nthabiseng Rantau
Cell: 082 570 5503

Xolani Malawana
Cell: 084 508 5833

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 March 2008