South Africa and the Netherlands elevated their longstanding relations on Tuesday, placing a focus on trade and investment.
President Jacob Zuma received Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is on a two-day official visit to South Africa, at the Union Buildings.
At a media briefing, the President said the visit by the Prime Minister would take relations and cooperation – which dates back to 1994 – to a higher level.
The two countries have since 1994 forged a solid partnership that transcends many fields including economic, education, agriculture, trade, science and technology, education, judicial, multilateral and culture to mention but a few.
“We are in agreement on the need at this time to elevate our relations. We are pleased that our ministers responsible for foreign affairs will sign the agreement establishing a Joint Commission at The Hague on Thursday, which will help to coordinate and guide the broad and substantive scope of our relationship,” said President Zuma.
He said total trade between the two countries had increased consistently from R27 billion in 2010 to R48 billion in 2014.
The Dutch have also invested in about 40 projects in South Africa with direct investment volume estimated at over R14 billion over the period 2003 to 2015 in financial services, aerospace, transport, business services, biotechnology and information technology and software sectors.
President Zuma said he was looking forward to enhanced relations between the two countries, building on the rich history and common beliefs in democracy, freedom, human rights, equality and other values that make the world a better place.
Prime Minister Rutte is accompanied by a sizeable business delegation while on his visit, which President Zuma said augurs well for the countries’ economic relations.
He said trade and investment were the backbone of relations that exist between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said President Zuma was putting a lot of effort into managing the economy, working on inclusive growth, creating jobs and realising South Africa’s full potential.
He said the Netherlands will help South Africa in achieving these goals.
“We have committed [to] long term investing and sharing knowledge and expertise to create solid and sustainable solutions. The longstanding relationship between our countries is strong and matured,” said the Prime Minister.
Ministers from both countries signed agreements on Tuesday, which the two countries’ leaders said will deepen cooperation on a broad range of issues. These include agreements in agriculture, migration, science and technology, among others.
Ahead of the official media briefing, the two leaders held a meeting in which they discussed more possible investment opportunities, such as in South Africa’s ocean economy, energy and other key priorities.
“The message we want to communicate to our Dutch partners is simple and clear: South Africa is open for business and investment,” said President Zuma.
The Prime Minister said he has brought along with him a team from Netherlands that will help South Africa in expertise regarding dealing with water shortages.
“Their works started on Monday and will continue tomorrow…” he said.
South Africa is currently experiencing a drought. – SAnews.gov.za
Back to top
SA, Netherlands condemn attacks in Paris
Pretoria – South Africa and the Netherlands have added their voices to the international community in condemning the terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris.
Briefing the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday, President Jacob Zuma and Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte called for countries to work together. Prime Minister Rutte is on an official visit to South Africa.
About 132 people died on Friday in simultaneous shootings and explosions at restaurants, the Bataclan concert hall and the national stadium in Paris.
A total of 1 500 military officers have been deployed in Paris to ensure the safety of public places mainly in the capital, according to government officials.
President Zuma said following the senseless attacks in Paris, global security was in sharp focus.
“We returned this morning from the successful G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey where the attacks drew condemnation from all world leaders. We remain firm in our condemnation of all forms of terrorism,” said President Zuma.
He said the attacks in Paris, Turkey, Lebanon and the ongoing terror attacks in parts of Nigeria and Kenya were a reminder that the scourge of terrorism requires urgent attention, with an emphasis on dealing with the root causes.
“It is our strong belief that the interference by outside parties in some countries and the pursuit of the regime change doctrine has perpetuated a cycle of conflict and instability in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East.
“The preference for military action instead of political solutions becomes a breeding ground for violent extremism and terrorism,” said President Zuma.
He said the United Nations must be at the centre of collective global action against terrorism, working with regional organisations.
“The international community must also redouble its efforts particularly in the quest for genuine peace in the Middle East.
“It will be difficult to find lasting peace without resolving longstanding issues in the Middle East such as the Palestinian question,” said President Zuma.
He reiterated that terror attacks should not be used to label refugees as terrorists as that would have negative consequences.
Prime Minister Rutte said Netherlands shared the same sentiments.
“I believe the attacks in Paris highlight the importance of countries working together in a fight against terrorism. Terrorism knows no boundaries, so our countries must work together to stop it,” said the Prime Minister. – SAnews.gov.zaSA