In the framework of the strategic dialogue between our two countries, Mr Alain Juppé, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of France, paid an official visit to South Africa on 10 and 11 November, at the invitation of Ms. Maite Nkoana Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. This visit built upon the results of the State visit of President Zuma to France on the 2nd and 3rd March, 2011. It aimed at strengthening and deepening our partnership.
Ms. Mashabane and Mr. Juppé met on 11 November. They had in depth discussions on bilateral as well as international issues, in particular situations on the African Continent and the Middle East, the reform of global governance, the follow up of the conclusions of the G20 Cannes Summit and obviously COP17, under the presidency of Ms. Mashabane. The French government, as well as its EU partners, is keen to stand by the efforts of Ms Mashabane, as COP17 President to reach a successful outcome in Durban.
Minister Juppé paid a courtesy call to President Zuma.
He also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Gwede Mantashe, ANC secretary general as well as Mr. Ebrahim Ebrahim in his capacity as head of the international relations department of the ANC in Luthuli House.
Minister Juppé, who had already paid an official visit to South Africa in the same capacity in 1994, was keen to take stock of the impressive developments since then through his meetings and interactions with some personalities across various sectors of South African civil society (academic, the media, business, cultural, diplomatic). Mr Juppé also visited Hlakaniphani Junior Primary School, which is partnering with the NGO Valued Citizens Initiative as well as two projects supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) in Soweto : Capitec bank, which addresses low income needs and the “Gcin’Amanzi” project (“water conservation" in Zulu) which aims to modernize water delivery systems.
He delivered a lecture on global governance at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).
The Minister jointly inaugurated the new premises of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) in Johannesburg with Mr. Mpho Franklyn Parks Tau, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, in the vibrant district of Braamfontein. Since its origin in 1995, IFAS has embodied the will of France to engage constantly with South Africa through cultural dialogue, especially regarding the promotion of exchange and diversity, in preparation for the reciprocal France-South Africa seasons in 2012 and 2013.
Finally, the Minister hosted the French community at the French residence in Pretoria.
Fourth South Africa-European Union Summit
Joint Communiqué
South Africa, 15 September 2011
Remarks by Herman VAN ROMPUY
President of the European Council
following the EU-South Africa Summit
Learn more about the EU-SA relatioanship
