SA-Germany to continue working together

Friday, November 21, 2014

Pretoria - South Africa and Germany should work together for a peaceful and better world, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

In her opening remarks at the 8th South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission held in Pretoria on Friday, the Minister said the relationship between the two countries is an important and strategic one.

“Our meeting today, in the context of enormous challenges in our global arena, places a huge responsibility on our two countries to work together in creating a peaceful and prosperous Africa and a better world,” said the Minister.

While hosting German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said that the 8th Bi-national Commission creates an opportunity to examine the scope of relations between the two countries and to set the scene for future cooperation based on mutually beneficial outcomes.

“Over the years both of our countries have developed a strong working relationship through the BNC and other developmental projects that have enhanced the lives of our people through job creation, vocational training and educational programmes,” she said.

The year 2014 is a special year for the two countries with South Africa celebrating 20 years democracy and Germany marking 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“I am pleased to note that both our nations’ quests for unity have been realised, which is indeed a cause for celebration. The German Embassy’s 20/25 initiative and your support for the South African Embassy in Berlin’s own celebrations have reflected splendidly on the special relationship between our two nations and people.”

Over the years both of countries have developed a strong working relationship through the BNC and other developmental projects that have enhanced the lives of people through job creation, vocational training and educational programmes.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Germany for the huge investments it has made in the country which has resulted in the creation of jobs.

“We also note that in the face of the global financial crisis Germany continues to provide South Africa with substantial development assistance,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za