Press release 03 October 2007
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications
Ministry of Education and Research
Ministry of Employment

Fifth Binational Commission Sweden - South Africa

On Wednesday 3 October 2007, the fifth Binational Commission(BNC) will begin in Stockholm under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson. The South African delegation will be led by Deputy President Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Subjects to be discussed during the talks include peace and security in Africa, environment and climate issues, reforms and efficiency enhancement in the UN, HIV/AIDS, the crisis in Zimbabwe, the situation in Burma and other current African and international issues.

Discussions will be held in three main areas: political, economic and pro-development issues. Various proposals for cooperation in third countries, joint projects and seminars will be discussed with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade exchange between Sweden and South Africa. The Deputy President will also be accompanied by a trade delegation.

Programme
The BNC meeting starts at Rosenbad on 3 October, at 11.30. In the afternoon, the Deputy President will meet Minister for Higher Education and Research Lars Leijonborg and Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin. In the evening, the Deputy Prime Minister will host a dinner at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Thursday 4 October will start with a breakfast meeting at 08.00 at the Swedish Trade Council, followed by a seminar on investments. The fifth BNC meeting will conclude at Rosenbad at 16.30 on Thursday.

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The close political relations between Sweden and South Africa have resulted in the establishment of the Binational Commission. The Commission was set up at the initiative of the then Prime Minister Göran Persson and President Thabo Mbeki in connection with the major Sweden-South Africa event in 1999. The BNC is a framework involving policy instruments for broadening and deepening relations and provides a platform for regular dialogue and for identifying and implementing joint projects and programmes.

The first BNC meeting was held in Stockholm in October 2000, when Deputy President Mbeki led the South African delegation. The last time the BNC met was in Pretoria in November 2005, when Deputy Prime Minister Bosse Ringholm and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka led their delegations.

Photo opportunity

Wednesday 3 October at 11.30
Place: Rosenbad
Rosenbad 4
Assembly at the entrance at 11.15
Please bring your press credentials

Press conference

Tuesday 4 October at 16.30
Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre
Fredsgatan 6
Assembly 16.15
Please bring your press credentials