Pretoria – The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ebrahim Ebrahim is to visit Seoul, South Korea, tomorrow where he will co-chair the 6th Policy Consultative Forum (PCF) with the South Korean Vice Minister Ho-young Ahn.
The forum takes place within the context of promoting the already important bilateral relations and strengthening strategic co-operation between the two countries, said the Department of International Relations on Thursday.
It is expected that the two will discuss, among others, strengthening and deepening bilateral relations following the 5th PCF held during 2011 in Pretoria; seeking enhanced co-operation in the energy sector; coordinating skills development and training programmes and initiatives and enhancing co-operation in the multilateral arena.
The forum will also explore the possibilities of increasing trade and investment.
The department said a significant attempt to structure bilateral relations led to the establishment of a PCF between the two countries in April 1997. “The first PCF took place in 2003, in South Africa and follow-up meetings took place in 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2011. These meetings further strengthened relations between the two countries.”
Formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Republic of Korea were established in December 1992. Increasingly the main focus of the bilateral relationship is on economic and business links.
South Korea is today South Africa’s 4th largest trading partner in Asia and South Africa is South Korea’s largest trading partner in Africa. Trade between the two countries encompasses a broad range of products from minerals to sophisticated high-technology electric products.
Officials from the Departments of Energy; Trade and Industry; Communications; Mineral Resources; Water Affairs; Rural Development and Land Reform; Science and Technology; Transport; Land Bank and The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) will accompany the deputy minister. – SAnews.gov.za