Mbeki visits Republic of Congo
30 November 2005
President Thabo Mbeki is leading a South African delegation on a two-day visit to the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville).
Mbeki is expected to hold discussions with his counterpart, President Denis Sassou Nguesso, on Wednesday.
Co-operation
The two are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including the status of relations between their countries and possible areas of co-operation, including agriculture, minerals and energy, tourism, transport, health, safety and security and arts and culture.
Mbeki will also brief Nguesso on the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of State and Government meeting in Malta, regional developments including the situation in Côte d'Ivoire and recently concluded elections in Gabon, as well as other issues of multilateral interest such as the proposed reform of the United Nations.
Upon the conclusion of discussions, the two are expected to sign agreements
on trade, investment, maritime transport and health.
African mission
Mbeki's visit comes within the context of South Africa's objective to consolidate relations with and establish a mission in each of Africa's 53 countries.
He will be accompanied by Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe and Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan.
Trade relations
Statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry show that trade between South Africa and the Republic of Congo increased steadily between 2000 and 2003.
Exports to Congo-Brazzaville increased from over R178-million to over R262-million over this period, while imports from Congo-Brazzaville increased from R4-million to more than R86-million.
Many South African companies, including Spoornet, Protea Hotels, Vodacom and Executive Aerospace are currently involved in the Republic of Congo.
Source: BuaNews
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