The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana Mashabane, and her counterpart from the European Union, Ms Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, will co-chair the SA-EU Ministerial Political Dialogue (MPD) in Pretoria on Friday, 24 August 2012.

The MPD will take place within the framework of the ongoing political dialogue under the auspices of the SA-EU Strategic Partnership and the SA-EU Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA).

The relationship between South Africa and the European Union has been significantly enhanced through the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in May 2007, which expanded cooperation between SA and the EU on various issues of mutual interest.

The objectives of the meeting include a review of the relations between South Africa and the EU following the 13th Joint Cooperation Council Meeting (JCC) held on 17 July 2012. The meeting will also discuss preparations for the 5th SA-EU Summit scheduled for 18 September 2012 in Brussels. At the Summit, President Jacob Zuma will meet the two EU Presidents, President Herman Van Rompuy of the European Council and President Jose Manuel Barosso of the European Commission.

The MPD bilateral discussions between the two delegations will focus, among others, on political and security matters of mutual interest, including political developments in Africa and the Middle East.

It is anticipated that the Ministerial Political Dialogue will re-affirm the warm friendship and close relations that exist between South Africa and the European Union.

For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, +27 82 884 5974
Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria