BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

29/08/2006

SA, Belarus commit to increased cooperation

By David Masango, tel: (012) 314-2230

Pretoria - South Africa and Belarus have entered into an agreement that seeks to enhance bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her Belarusian counterpart Sergey Martynov signed an agreement on economic co-operation in the areas of trade and science and technology, today at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

Addressing reporters following the signing, Dr Dlamini Zuma said the meeting afforded the two ministers the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues, both economic and political.

"Politically, we are both members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) so we have a lot in common to discuss.

"We also looked at the United Nations Security Council and how we can cooperate there as well as in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region."

Minister Martynov outlined areas in which the two countries could cooperate in science and technology, in line with the agreement.

"We are thinking of a cooperation in areas related to laser technology, physics and space technologies," he explained.

He pointed out that trade between South Africa and Belarus was still low, but expressed a desire to increase it substantially.

"We do have trade turnover between our countries, even if it's a modest one, but we would like to work towards having a much more meaningful economic [relationship] between our countries," he said.

One of the important areas of trade that have already been identified by the parties is the supply by Belarussian companies of quality equipment for use in the agriculture and construction sectors, among others.

"Belarus is an important producer of equipment that South Africa needs for its endeavours to bring more economic development," said Mr Martynov.

Mr Martynov and Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan also signed an agreement in the areas of arts and culture, which would mainly see the exchange of artists skilled in various disciplines.

Minister Martynov is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mphalwa as well as members of the South African business community, well into Monday evening. - BuaNews

Source:

http://www.buanews.gov.za/view.php?ID=06082816151001&coll=buanew06

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