Press release
12 March 2010
Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications
Maud Olofsson to visit South Africa for discussions in the framework of the Binational Commission
On 16-17 March 2010, the Binational Commission between Sweden and South Africa will hold its sixth meeting in Cape Town, chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson.
Discussions will focus on our bilateral relations. Other expected topics include peace, security and democracy issues in Africa, climate and energy issues, industrial policy issues, cooperation in the UN and other current international issues.
Discussions will be held in three main areas: political, economic and development promotion issues. Various proposals for cooperation in third countries, joint projects and seminars will be discussed with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade exchange between Sweden and South Africa.
Close political relations
The Binational Commission (BNC) is an expression of the close political relations that exist between Sweden and South Africa. The Commission was set up at the initiative of the then Prime Minister Göran Persson and President Thabo Mbeki in connection with the major Sweden-South Africa event in 1999. The BNC is a framework involving policy instruments for broadening and deepening relations, and provides a platform for regular dialogue and for identifying and implementing joint projects and programmes.
The first BNC meeting was held in Stockholm in October 2000, when the then Deputy President Mbeki led the South African delegation. The most recent meeting of the BNC was held in Stockholm in October 2007, when Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka led their delegations.
Will meet students at Cape Town University
In addition to the binational discussions, during her visit to Cape Town Ms Olofsson will meet with Swedish companies operating in South Africa and address students at Cape Town University.
For information and details concerning the programme, please contact Press Secretary Johanna Martin.
Contact
Johanna MartinPress Secretary
+46 70-305 47 74
