France’s commitment to democracy, and respect for human rights and social justice make it a natural partner for South Africa, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.
“In addition, our relationship has tangible programmes and projects of cooperation which have diversified and strengthened over the past 15 years,” he told a state banquet in France hosted in his honour by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Zuma is currently on an official visit to that country.
Bilateral trade between the two countries was sound, and despite the effects of the world economic and financial crisis, France continued to be one of South Africa’s biggest trading partners and investors.
French companies provided employment to more than 30Â 000 people in South Africa.
“We look forward to the business forum meeting tomorrow [Thursday] where we can look at even more opportunities to intensify the trade and investment relations between our two countries,” he said, according to a copy of his speech.
Ongoing cooperation
France and South Africa also had ongoing cooperation in the field of energy. The projects between the two countries had a momentum of their own and implementation continued.
“This is a clear sign of the maturity and richness of our relationship, which we cherish and which we trust will continue to develop in the years to come.”
This relationship extended to a common interest in the sustainable development of the continent and the quest for peace and stability.
“Currently we share the objective of bringing about peace and normalcy to Côte d’Ivoire.
“I would also like to thank you for your decision to give prominence to Africa and the African agenda in the G20 and the G8, under the presidency of France.
“You have indicated on a few occasions that you take the role of the G20 in global governance very seriously and look forward to the two forthcoming meetings of both the G8 and G20,” Zuma said. — Sapa