Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and her Irish counterpart, Brian Cowen, have signed a declaration of intent to deepen ties between their countries, her office said on Friday.
Both ministers agreed that the new level of cooperation to which their governments are committed reflect the close ties that have existed between the two countries, including the strong support given by Ireland to the anti-apartheid struggle.
Dlamini-Zuma thanked the people of Ireland for their support during the struggle against apartheid.
”The signing of this declaration of intent reflects the degree to which relations between our two countries are flourishing. South Africa and Ireland share similar basic values and see eye-to-eye on many global issues,” she said.
”The Ireland-South Africa Partnership Forum will not only consolidate the long-standing relationship between South Africa and Ireland, but also provide us with a mechanism to realise all the rich possibilities that remain to be tapped,” the minister said in a statement.
The forum is a mechanism by which to regulate political and economic relations between the two countries.
The ministers noted the great contribution made by Irish religious groups and NGOs to South Africa.
Cowen briefed Dlamini-Zuma on the peace process in Northern Ireland and current developments there. He thanked her for the strong political and practical support given by South Africa over the recent years to achieve peace in Ireland.
Dlamini-Zuma highlighted South Africa’s celebration of 10 years of democracy to her counterpart.
The declaration of intent commits both countries to hold regular high-level consultations on issues of mutual concern in order to better manage and enhance cooperation developed between the two countries. — Sapa