Press Release

EAM meeting South African FM in Brasilia

01/09/2009

On 31st August, External Affairs Minister, Shri S.M. Krishna had a meeting with the South African Foreign Minister, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, in Brasilia during his official visit. This was their first meeting.

During their very warm conversation, there was a broad review of India-South African bilateral relations. Given the very close ties between the people and the Governments of India and South Africa, they both agreed that there is considerable scope for enlarging these ties; the current trade of US $ 6 billion can increase manifold. They also discussed the status of India-South Africa Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement and India-SACU PTA and their potential value for a major boost for our economic links. The South African leader, whilst describing the initiatives of the new South African government after elections, expressed an interest in drawing upon the Indian experience in rural development and the role of the Planning Commission. They also shared views on the democratic impulses generated by the successful examples of their respective vibrant democracies.

The two Ministers also agreed that Indian and South African Governments have convergent views on major global issues of the day such as UNSC reforms, WTO negotiations, climate change etc. and that there was an even greater necessity today for them to coordinate their positions in various international forums. The Ministers also shared their views about regional developments of interest to their respective countries, including the scourge of terrorism.

The South African Minister, who has also been former High Commissioner to India, thanked External Affairs Minister for his invitation to her to visit India in November this year and stated that she was very keenly looking forward to it.

New Delhi
September 1, 2009