International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius, where she is scheduled to hold talks with the Mauritian Foreign Minister Alan Ganoo.
“It is expected that the working visit will provide the Ministers with an opportunity to assess the status of bilateral relations between South Africa and Mauritius, share information and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the department said.
According to the department, formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Mauritius were established in 1992, with the opening of Representative Offices in both countries, which eventually led to full diplomatic relations in 1994.
The two countries, the department said, share a common vision for the economic integration of the region, underpinned by peace and stability, democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law.
The two leaders are also expected to sign a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA), which provides for the establishment of a Joint Commission at the senior officials’ level.
“The Joint Commission will serve as the mechanism through which the two countries work to increase levels of cooperation across various sectors. Currently, there is no structured bilateral mechanism between the two countries,” the department explained.
In addition, Pandor will meet leaders and representatives of Mauritian businesses to further deepen South Africa–Mauritius trade and investment relations.
According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), from January to December 2022, South Africa exported just over R10 billion worth of goods and merchandise to Mauritius compared to almost R5.2 billion in the same period in 2021.
The main products exported in 2022 were mineral products (R4.9 billion), followed by wood products (R832 million), prepared foodstuff (R737 million), machinery (R633 million) and iron and steel products (R626 million).
Meanwhile, South African exports to Mauritius have increased by 285% over the ten years from R2.6 billion in 2012 to R10 billion, and by 185% from R5.4 billion over the five years from 2017.
The Minister will also have an engagement event with Mauritian Think Tanks and academia on the current geopolitical environment and how South Africa–Mauritius relations fit therein.
The Minister will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. – SAnews.gov.za
