BuaNews (Tshwane)
9 September 2008
Pretoria — South Africa and Tunisia are currently discussing ways to further strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries within the broad framework of advancing the Consolidation of the African Agenda.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has lead a government delegation, to Tunisia to attend the 5th Session of the South Africa-Tunisia Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) which started on Monday.
During the four previous successful Joint Bilateral Commission meetings between the two countries, more than 20 agreements were signed.
Ms Dlamini Zuma is expected to co-chair the JBC with the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Abdelwahab Abdallah within the context of South Africa's commitment to further strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations.
Issues to be discussed between the two countries include cooperation in the fields of trade and industry, arts and culture, science and technology, health, Information and Communications Technology.
These also include defence, energy, agriculture, education, and employment.
South Africa and Tunisia enjoy a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship and the Tunisian government is supportive of issues that are important to both Africa and the African Renaissance.
Tunisia is one of the 15 core countries of New Partnership for Africa's Development and is therefore an important partner within North Africa and within Francophone Africa.
In October 2004, President Thabo Mbeki paid a state visit to Tunisia and in November 2005 he led a South African delegation to the World Summit on the Information Society in that country.
More recently, the Tunisian President, Ben Ali, paid a private visit to South Africa in March this year.
Bilateral trade between South Africa and Tunisia is growing and has recently turned in South Africa's favour.
South Africa exports mostly manufactured vehicles and chemical products to Tunisia and it imports mostly textiles, appliances and electrical equipment from Tunisia.
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