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24 June 2008

Honourable Minister, Issifo Kogui Ndouro
Head of Military Cooperation, Mr Azandekom
DG Office of the Minister of Defence, Lt Col Serg Haag
Head Media office, Chief of Staff, Olivier Noutehoue
Embassy Representative, Mr Goutondji
Members of the Defence Staff Council
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

My brother, Minister Issifo Kongui Ndouro, it is my pleasure to have this opportunity to welcome you and your delegation to our country, South Africa.

This gathering here marks the historical milestone in our endeavour as the African continent to deepen our diplomatic relations for a common and united purpose. The historical importance of our meeting here lies on the amount of work that together we have to embark on, which is informed by the meeting between our Secretary for Defence and his Benin counterpart last year.

The meeting by our defence personnel to establish defence bilateral relations served as the forerunner for many great things to come, including this agreement we are about to sign here today.

My brother we have noted the recommendations that emanated from that meeting between our two Defence Forces and I wish to inform you that these are no longer recommendations but our commitment to your country.

Indeed, the Agreement we are signing today confirms our intention to work closely with you to realise those commitments. In this regard, the Agreement seeks to develop and formulate procedures for military co-operation between our respective Armed Forces. The Agreement also includes promoting the training of military personnel through the exchange of trainees, instructors and observers.

We are also going to co-operate on the acquisition of military equipment, technical co-operation as well as in the area of military medical services. This co-operation will indeed pave way for an exchange of knowledge and training in the carrying out of United Nations and African Union Peacekeeping operations where needed and in particular in our continent.

My brother, we are aware of your vast experience in peacekeeping missions, which therefore creates a solid platform to draw lessons from one another. More specifically, my dear brother, we intend to facilitate further interaction between our two countries 'air-forces' to provide necessary training to your air-force personnel with the view to improving their skills. We must also continue to encourage the exchange of our personnel at all levels to enhance sports and cultural links between our armed forces.

While we also stand to greatly benefit from your military institutions, we are prepared to assist your country with military skills in Engineering. This will also enhance your current projects in your country such as the building of schools and bridges.

Furthermore, we are looking forward to assisting your country to establish the Navy as the stand-alone arm of service. But more importantly, we are encouraged to work with you to realise our common goals and enhanced our relations. This Agreement speaks volumes of how far we have gone since we established formal diplomatic relations on 19 May 1994 and how far we still ought to go.

May I once again welcome you and your delegation and wish you well for the duration of your stay in our country.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Defence
24 June 2008