Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on Saturday returned to South Africa after concluding a successful working visit to the Kingdom of Norway.
While in that country, the Minister participated in the 15th Africa-Nordic Meeting of Foreign Ministers which took place under the theme: "Foreign and security policy at a crossroads: Ensuring stability and prosperity in a new security landscape”.
Issues discussed under the theme included achieving the United Nation's sustainable development goals, the eradication of poverty, strengthening partnerships for economic development and the use of preventive diplomacy as an effective tool for development, peace and security.
The meeting also talked about countering and preventing terrorism and extremism as well as migration and mobility, including their impact on economic growth.
According to the Department of International Relations, the Africa-Nordic Meeting of Foreign Ministers takes place annually and is hosted alternately by an African and Nordic country.
Last year's meeting was hosted by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane in Mookgopong, Limpopo in April 2015 under the theme: "The Africa We Want: Partnership towards Agenda 2063”.
“The annual meetings provide a framework for an informal, open dialogue on international topics that are relevant to both Africa and the Nordic countries.
“The meetings also build on partnerships and cooperation and reinforces the historical solidarity of friendship that exist between the governments and people of Africa and the Nordic countries,” said the department.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Børge Brende of Norway and Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra of Algeria on the sidelines of the meeting. – SAnews.gov.za
