Pretoria — International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will host her Eritrean counterpart Osman Slih Mohammed in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Issues of mutual interest, including enhancing the bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries, as well as political developments on the continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa, will be discussed.

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Eritrea were established in March 1995. Bilateral relations between the two African countries are strong and both countries have already established embassies in each other's capitals.

Exports to Eritrea from South Africa in 2010 amounted to R202 983 000, while imports from Eritrea amounted to R1 044 000.

"South African and Eritrean companies are exploring ways to further strengthen existing economic relations," said the department, adding that a South African business delegation visited Eritrea in July.