Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Nabil Ammar, and his South African counterpart Grace Naledi Pandor, stressed as they presided over the second session of high-level political and diplomatic consultations between the Republic of Tunisia and the Republic of South Africa on Friday in Pretoria, the need to further strengthen consultation on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two ministers emphasised, according to the joint final statement published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the need to give special importance to the African continent, especially, its economic development and political standing, sovereignty, solidarity and place in the world.
They also agreed that necessary work towards the convening of the 6th Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) should commence. They indicated that the finalisation of a Protocol on Regular Diplomatic Consultation ought to reflect this cooperation.
Ministers agreed to seek collaboration with fellow African countries in order to promote continental peace and stability, economic integration, and sustainable development. They also reflected on the necessity to address the root causes of irregular migration.
With regard to bilateral issues, the two sides agreed that the next session of the Joint Commission between the two countries would be propelled by practical Economic Cooperation activities whose Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is anticipated for signature between the Ministers of Trade and Industry at a later stage.
It was noted that preparations for the signing of MoU's for Economic Cooperation, as well as in the sector of Agriculture were at their advanced stages.
The Ministers encouraged the continuation of deepening relations between their respective domestic regions across Provinces, Governorates and Special Economic Zones, where at least five MoU were signed between South Africa's Province of the Eastern Cape and Tunisia's Governorates of Medenine and Gabes, as well as various economic institutions during bilateral meetings that took place in Tunisia between September 9-16, 2023.
On the other hand, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the fruitful discussions between the two sides on the establishment of the Tunisian-South African Business Council.
They noted that cooperation agreements in Tourism, as well as in the Arts and Culture, needed their respective implementation plans of action finalised and ready for signatures on the next available opportune moment.
The Ministers resolved to ensure that the above initiatives would find the necessary expression before and/or during the signing ceremony of the 6th session of the JBC in 2024, in Pretoria.
On regional issues, the Ministers deliberated on a wide range of issues of significance to the continent. They agreed on the need for the continent to Silence the Guns and to work towards the implementation of Agenda 2063.
The Ministers further expressed concern at the actions of unconstitutional changes of government on the continent, as manifested by military coups.
They also highlighted the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area as an important imperative towards Africa's development and the opportunities it provides for deepened Intra-African trade.
They reflected on the spectra of critical and necessary opportunities for collaboration on medical matters both bilaterally and across the continent.
Regarding international issues, the Ministers agreed that currently there are existential challenges facing humanity and threatening its existence globally due to climate change, as evidenced by recent natural disasters both in Africa and the world-over.
The Ministers confirmed their determination to a reformed United Nations as a premier multilateral institution and which should be more democratic, representative, and efficient, capable of promoting a more equitable world order conducive to co-development, co-prosperity, stability and lasting peace for all.
The two countries advocate for a world based on more balanced and equitable relations and called for intensified partnerships and cooperation.
The Ministers reiterated the support of both countries for the cause of the Palestinian people and called for the acceleration of the Middle East Peace Process in order to find a long-lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Ministers also reflected on the 15th BRICS Summit recently held in Sandton, South Africa. They recognised the important role played by this formation and called for a deepened partnership between BRICS and African Countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs is making a working visit to South Africa, heading the Tunisian delegation at the second session of high-level political and diplomatic consultations between the Republic of Tunisia and the Republic of South Africa, held Friday in Pretoria.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse
