Pretoria - The Minster of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has concluded a successful working visit to Finland, where she participated in the 13th Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in the Finnish town of Hameenlinna.
According to the department, the meeting addressed three issues, namely, how do macro-economic challenges affect the Nordic Welfare model, Africa on the rise - how to make economic growth inclusive and seeking solutions to African conflicts – the role of regional and global actors.
The annual gathering was a frank and open dialogue between African and Nordic like-minded states focussing on mutual cooperation in developmental matters.
“The African Ministers encouraged the Nordics to take advantage of investment opportunities in Africa and to increase the levels of economic cooperation in, amongst other sectors, telecommunications, agriculture and infrastructure,” the department said in a statement.
The meeting noted Africa's positive efforts towards peace, stability and development, which are in line with the continent's common Vision 2063 - a vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
In addition, the meeting noted the successes achieved through the Nordic Model from which much can be learned by African states.
Last week, in the capital of Helsinki, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane held bilateral talks with her Finnish counterpart, Erkki Tuomioja.
The meeting focussed on South Africa-Finland bilateral political and trade relations. The two Ministers also exchanged views on issues of common interest, including the reform of global governance institutions.
South Africa attaches great importance to its Nordic partners, and this visit provided a platform to further consolidate and strengthen the already cordial relations between South Africa and Finland. The meeting also served to deepen Africa-Nordic cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za
