Media Statement
20 June 2023
Deputy Minister Mashego- Dlamini undertakes Official Visit to Mozambique
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, will travel to Maputo, Mozambique, from 20-21 June 2023 to co-chair the South Africa-Mozambique Midterm Review (MTR) of the Bi-National Commission (BNC).
South Africa and Mozambique enjoy fraternal relations which were cemented during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
Since December 2011, the structured bilateral relationship between South Africa and Mozambique has been conducted through a BNC.
To date, over 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed between the two countries, demonstrating the range of bilateral cooperation.
In recent times, there has been growing interaction between the Presidents of both countries, as South Africa and Mozambique aim to increase the levels of trade and investment cooperation and ensure peace and stability in the region.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has visited Mozambique several times since his inauguration in 2018. This includes a courtesy visit upon his election to the Presidency in March 2018, followed by the President’s attendance at the signing ceremony of the Maputo Peace Accords in August 2019 and President Filipe Nyusi’s Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in January 2020.
Since then, President Ramaphosa has undertaken more Working Visits to Mozambique during 2021, to participate in the various SADC Summits of Heads of State and Government convened in Maputo.
The relationship between the two countries also involves mutual support in times of need as illustrated by the African Renaissance Fund (ARF) rendering support to Mozambique during the period when the neighbouring country was responding to the devastation caused by cyclone Idai in 2019. On the other hand, Mozambique provided support to the province of KZN when it was ravaged by floods in 2022.
Considering the close historic relations between the two countries, the main objectives for the Working Visit is to review progress on the implementation of commitments made during the 3rd Session of the BNC held in South Africa in March 2022.
The Deputy Minister’s visit will also serve as an opportunity to assess and evaluate progress relating to all outstanding decisions and commitments.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soupansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084