Media Statement
25 March 2024
Deputy Minister Botes hosts his Swedish counterpart for a Bilateral Meeting
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, held a meeting today, 25 March 2024, with his Swedish counterpart, Mr Jan Knutsson.
The meeting offered an opportunity for South Africa and Sweden to reflect on the status of their bilateral relations.
South Africa and Sweden enjoy good relations based on mutual respect, human rights, dialogue, consultation and cooperation.
The two countries conduct their relations through a Bi-National Commission (BNC) at the Deputy President level, which comprises four Working Groups, namely:
1) Political Affairs, Co-chaired by Department of International Relations and Cooperation
2) Economic Affairs, Co-chaired by Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
3) Science and Technology, Co-chaired by Dept of Science & Innovation
4) Environment, Water and Energy, Co-chaired by Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
The lead departments conduct the committee meetings at the Senior Officials’ level and report back to the BNC.
Deputy Ministers Botes and Knutsson used the occasion of their meeting today to discuss the strengthening of bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and Sweden. The Deputy Ministers also discussed political and security developments in their respective regions and globally.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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