(TALKZIMBABWE) Dlamini-Zuma in Zim for joint co-operation meeting

Dlamini-Zuma in Zim for joint co-operation meeting
Sapa/TZG
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000

SOUTH AFRICAN Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma arrived in Zimbabwe on Sunday ahead of a joint meeting between the two countries, the South African government said in a statement.

Dlamini-Zuma and Zimbabwean foreign affairs minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi will chair the scheduled meeting of the SA-Zimbabwe joint permanent commission for co-operation (JPCC) when it begins in the resort town of Victoria Falls on Monday.

Others in the South African delegation are the ministers of safety and security Mandisi Mpahlwa; home affairs Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, land affairs Lulu Xingwana and health Barbara Hogan.

Directors-general of foreign affairs and minerals and energy Ayanda Ntsaluba and Sandile Nogxina would also be present.

Besides adjusting to a new administration and grieving the death last week of prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai's wife Susan, Zimbabwe also has to keep a cholera epidemic under control, while South Africa ponders what to do about the reported millions of economic migrants seeking opportunities in the country.

The ministerial session, which began on Saturday and will end on Sunday, focused on a review of existing bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries; social and humanitarian matters which include co-operation in health, public service administration; and labour and arts and culture.

It would also discuss migration matters; trade, finance and investment; energy and mining; environment and tourism; agriculture; transport and communications; preparations for the forthcoming Confederations Cup and the Fifa 2010 World Cup and identifying possible other projects.

"South Africa's participation in the third session of the JPCC comes within the context of her commitment to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Zimbabwe while assisting the people of Zimbabwe in their path towards national reconciliation, reconstruction and development as well as economic recovery," a communique read.

Bilateral relations between the two countries remain cordial, and Zimbabwe remains a major trading partner with South Africa, the department said.

- Sapa/TZG