France visit ends on a high note

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Pretoria - President Zuma has concluded his State visit to France, which has served to advance relations between the two countries.

President Zuma held talks with his French counterpart, President Francois Hollande, and the two leaders reaffirmed the need to enhance the strategic partnership encompassing political, economic, social and defence matters.

Agreements were signed during the visit to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy, agriculture, higher education and training, as well as arts and culture.

The two sides also signed the renewed Partnership Framework Document on development cooperation for the period 2016-2019, which makes provision for collaboration in the promotion of national priorities. 

Underscoring the importance of boosting trade relations and economic cooperation, President Zuma also met French CEOs and addressed the South Africa-France Business Forum.

In the meeting, President Zuma impressed upon the private sector to explore investment opportunities in South Africa.

Two-way trade currently stands at R33 billion in favour of France. There are about 350 French companies doing business in the country, while only 30 South African businesses are operating in France.

The President also officiated at the centenary commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in Somme, France, a ceremony that ended 100 years of the marginalisation of black soldiers who died in the First World War. Government has built a memorial in France that recognises all soldiers regardless of race. - SAnews.gov.za