SA, UK sign defence agreements
5 August 2004
South Africa and Britain signed two agreements this week paving the way for greater military co-operation between the two countries, Business Day reports.
Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota told Business Day that military cooperation between the South African and British armed forces had developed "to a level where it is very close and progressively expanding".
He said the agreements would see the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) receiving more advice and assistance from the UK military and lead to more military exercises between the British and South African armed forces.
According to Business Day, one of the agreements formalises the position of a team of 10 British military advisers in South Africa.
The British Peace Support Team's mandate is to advise the SANDF on peacekeeping and to help train South African peacekeepers for duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
The British team will also assist
the SANDF with computer simulation exercises to prepare officers for future missions. South Africa and Britain will share the R13-million cost of the advisory team.
According to Business Day, South Africa is expected to play an increasing role in African peacekeeping efforts following the approval of plans for the establishment, by 2010, of a five-brigade African Standby Force to deal with conflicts on the continent.
The second agreement paves the way for British forces to conduct military exercises in the country, with South Africa facilitating entry and customs clearance for the visiting British forces.
Senior generals from South Africa and Britain are expected to discuss further plans for military cooperation later this year.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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