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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 08 May 2012 Title: Motlanthe to co-chair SA-Germany commission -------------------- Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will kick off his German visit today by co-chairing the 7th South Africa/Germany Bi-national Commission, set to map a way forward for relations between the two countries. Motlanthe arrived in Berlin, Germany, on Monday on an official visit to that country. The commission, established in 1996, coordinates bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas such as science and technology, environment and arts and culture. The meeting, according to the Presidency, will discuss new issues such as renewable energy and education and training and assess progress made since the last Bi-national Commission which was held in South Africa in 2010. The meeting will also touch on how global issues such as the Eurozone and problems facing the African continent such as the African Union's post conflict and reconstruction development programme. In order to boost the trade and commercial relations, Motlanthe is accompanied by Cabinet ministers who will interact with prominent South African and German companies during a business seminar, to be held in Munich. Already, over 450 German companies have invested in South Africa in critical sectors such as the automotive and chemical industries, as well as mechanical and electrical engineering. Germany is also ranked the 4th largest export destination for South Africa and a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). On Thursday and Friday, Motlanthe will be in Finland, at the invitation of Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen. The objective of the Finland visit is to reinvigorate the political and economic relations between the two countries in order to advance South Africa's national priorities, enhance the African Agenda and exchange views on multilateral issues of common interest. -BuaNews |
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