South Africa: Pretoria, Maputo Sign Agreement

7 December 2001
BuaNews (Tshwane)
By Mantshele Wa Ga Tau

Pretoria — In a step to further strengthen their relations, South Africa and Mozambique yesterday entered into what will be called 'Protocol of Co-operation.'

Deputy foreign affairs minister Aziz Pahad and his Mozambican counterpart Hipolito Patriocio concluded a second meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) held from 4 - 5 December in Pretoria.

According to a statement, issues discussed ranged from joint border control arrangements and cross-border crime prevention to health, maritime and aviation related issues.

'Due to close economic and trade relations South Africa and Mozambique maintain - investment, banking and customs matters were also addressed,' it said.

'The expanding infrastructure and tourism between the two countries led to further discussions by relevant transports and tourism authorities.'

A general co-operation agreement was established between South Africa and Mozambique in July 1994, which led to the establishment of the JPCC between the two.

The first JPCC meeting was held from 2 to 3 May 1996 in Maputo.

In their opening address on Tuesday, the two deputy ministers made reference to the importance of the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the role that the JPCC could play in promoting the objectives of this initiative.

They also touched on current political, economic, diplomatic, commercial and cultural cooperation.

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