Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashababe has arrived in Stockholm, Sweden where she will reaffirm bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Minister, who arrived in Sweden on Friday, is on a working visit to that country.
“The visit to Sweden is aimed at reaffirming bilateral relations between South Africa and Sweden and the importance of the Bi-National Commission as the structured bilateral mechanism to deepen cooperation between the two countries,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
The Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Sweden is at the level of Deputy President and Deputy Prime Minister. It is the only structured dialogue process of its kind – at this level - that South Africa has with any EU member state.
The 9th Session of the Bi-National Commission, which took place on 19 – 20 October 2015 in Stockholm, further strengthened cooperation in a broad range of areas, including the blue economy, skills development and training, climate change, waste management, renewable energy and cooperation in science and technology.
While on her official visit Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will hold bilateral talks with her counterpart, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallström.
“The Ministers will discuss issues of mutual interest on bilateral, regional and multilateral matters, particularly in the area of peace-building and the training of female mediators in Southern Africa.
“The meeting will also include a wreath laying ceremony in memoriam of the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Anna Lindh,” said the department.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will also meet with the Swedish Minister for Children, Elderly and Equality, Åsa Regnèr, as part of efforts to further enhance partnerships in the field of women empowerment and gender equality.
The Minister is expected to meet with the President of the Social Democratic Women in Sweden, Carina Ohlsson, Member of Parliament and the Director of the Swedish Foreign Policy Institute Mats Karlson. She will also participate in a study visit to Swedish NGOs working with gender issues.
Sweden ranks among South Africa’s major trading partners within the EU.
Overall trade between the two countries, despite fluctuations, grew from R13.1 billion in 2010 to R13.6 billion in 2014.
South African exports increased from R2. 3 billion to R2. 4 billion between 2013 and 2014 due to an increase in demand for agro-processed products and advanced manufactured goods such as grape wines, beverage spirits, vinegar, iron and steel.
Imports from Sweden grew by 14% between 2010 and 2012 to R12 billion. –SAnews.gov.za
