SA-Guinea links ‘show great potential’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomes his visiting South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, right, in Moscow on Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomes his visiting South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, right, in Moscow on Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Published Apr 14, 2014

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Johannesburg - The relationship between South Africa and Guinea must be further explored as it shows great potential for mutual benefit, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Monday.

In remarks prepared for delivery at the second joint commission for co-operation (JCC) between South Africa and Guinea in Pretoria, the minister said eight agreements had been signed to date between the two countries.

“These agreements indicate the willingness of our two governments to continue strengthening the already cordial relations,” she said.

The purpose of the JCC was to assess progress in implementing commitments made since the JCC's establishment in November 2006, while also identifying other areas of co-operation between the two countries.

“This second session (of the JCC) that we have just concluded today 1/8Monday 3/8 has set objectives to further promote political, economic and social co-operation between our two countries,” said Nkoana-Mashabane.

“... We are pleased with the increasing co-operation between South Africa and the Republic of Guinea that spans from education, science and technology, mining, infrastructure development, agriculture, transport and a host of other areas.”

To effect the decisions made at the second JCC, with Guinea represented by Foreign Minister Francois Lounceny Fall, officials from the two countries would meet once a year and follow-up where necessary.

“South Africa enjoys a long-standing relationship with the government and the people of Guinea,” the minister said.

This was solidified by the unconditional support of Guinea's people offered to South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

“Upon the demise of apartheid, Guinea was among the first countries to open a diplomatic mission in South Africa,” said Nkoana-Mashabane.

Sapa

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