15 October 2003

Deputy President Jacob Zuma and Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Margareta Winburg co-chaired a two-day South Africa-Swedish binational commission in Sweden this week.

The commission, inaugurated by President Thabo Mbeki and Prime Minister Goran Persson three years ago, has formalised political, economic and social development co-operation between the two countries.

The two countries share deep historical relations dating back to the liberation struggle in South Africa, when Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme backed liberation movements against apartheid.

Palme was killed while walking home from a movie in what was suspected to be an assassination by those who opposed his support for liberation movements such as the ANC.

Zuma also held meetings with the Swedish business community and opinion makers, seekiing to promote further investment and strengthen economic linkages.

On Friday, Zuma visited the SAAB plant in Linkoping, Sweden. The company was chosen by government to provide 28 jet aircraft worth R10.9-billion to the South African National Defence Force.

Swedish investments in South Africa have exceeded R800-million since 1994, with about 80 companies in the country employing more than 1 200 people.

Source: BuaNews

	South African trade with Europe

	Department of Foreign Affairs  Dept of Trade & Industry

SA's trade relations South Africa, a founding member of GATT and active member of the WTO, is party to numerous trade relationships. Find out more.