South Africa and Malaysia focussed attention on the need to collectively promote fair global trade regimes and the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions at the first Malaysia-South Africa joint commission meeting held this week.
According to a statement — following the commission meeting in Kuala Lumpur which ends on Friday — issued by South African Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa, South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stated that developing nations “needed to act collectively in confronting international issues such as the reform of the United Nations and Bretton Woods institutions, the promotion of fair global trade regimes …. that hinder developing countries in their paths to sustainable economic development”.
The first commission meeting was held “in an atmosphere of friendship and co-operation”, said Mamoepa.
“Discussions were frank and open, reflecting the close relationships that exist between the two countries. The commission also discussed issues of trade, investment, double taxation agreements, commodities, infrastructure, higher education, science and technology, information, tourism, transportation,
oil and gas, technical co-operation, defence and culture and sports between
both countries,” said Mamoepa.
“The ministers concurred on the need for both sides to intensify further co-operation in the areas identified and encouraged each other to enhance their participation in trade and investment. They also expressed the hope that the private sectors of both countries continue to play and increase their role in these endeavours.”
The Malaysian delegation was led by the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Dato’ Seri Syhed Hamid Albar.
Malaysia and South Africa agreed that the second Malaysia-South Africa joint commission meeting would be held in South Africa on a date to be mutually
agreed upon by both countries. – I-Net Bridge