Brussels, 28/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - The 3rd EU-South Africa summit ended on Tuesday 28 September with the adoption of a joint statement, signed by European leaders Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso and South African President Jacob Zuma in which the two parties make or confirm a number of ambitious commitments, for example on trade, climate change and global governance.
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Both parties are determined to conclude an EPA with the countries of the South Africa Development Community (SADC) “by the end of the year”. “The shared objective is to conclude by the end of the year a final EPA that enhances the trade and economic relations between the EU and the SADC EPA countries and supports sustainable development and regional integration in Southern Africa,” the statement says. Concluding talks in 2010 is, certainly, “very challenging,” especially as several issues still remain to be settled, but it is feasible, Barroso told press. However, if it happens that more time is needed to reach an agreement, “we will have to keep going,” he added. Zuma, too, hopes that an agreement will be found by the end of the year, but, if this does not prove possible, “it won't be the end of the world” and negotiations would continue, he said.
Climate change. Both Europe and South Africa pledged to “work together” in preparing the forthcoming Conference of the Parties in Cancún. The shared objective is to find an “ambitious legally binding global agreement” in line with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibility”, and countries' respective economic and financial capabilities. Both sides also highlighted the importance of making progress on “fast start finance” as this is a key point of any future agreement. The European leaders told Zuma that the EU is ready to help developing countries in their transition to low carbon economies and in adapting to climate change.
Multilateralism, G20. Both partners agreed to pool efforts to strengthen the multilateral system, “centred on a strong United Nations”. They agreed that the reform of UN institutions must continue, to make them “more effective and transparent” and so that they take greater account of changes in the international community, such as the emergence of new powers. Europe and South Africa also want to cooperate closely in the G20; they want to work together to “accomplish the IMF quota reform by the Seoul summit” and on the adoption of a “development agenda and multi-year action plans”.
Sudan, Zimbabwe. The two parties stressed that the referendum on the independence of Southern Sudan scheduled for January 2011, must be “transparent and credible”. European and South African leaders called for increased political dialogue between the EU and Zimbabwe. “Positive developments” were noted in that country, but further effort is required. The next elections will be an important test, Van Rompuy told press. EU sanctions will remain in place for the moment but, if there is a significant improvement in the political and democratic situation in Zimbabwe, the EU is ready to “take a fresh look” at the measures, Van Rompuy said.
Strategic Partnership. The leaders hailed the “expansion” of bilateral EU-South Africa relations and the increase in the “strategic” nature of the links and cooperation in an increasing range of sectors. They also welcomed the implementation of the Joint Action Plan. Zuma hailed the fact that, thanks to the Lisbon Treaty, the EU will now be represented at the summit by a permanent president of the European Council rather than a representative of the rotating Presidency. This gives greater “continuity and consistency” to our relations, he said.
Freedom of the press. Van Rompuy admitted to press that he had not broached the subject of the Bills currently under discussion in South Africa (setting up a Media Court, reform of the law on information) which could restrict freedom of the press. He said that, at this point, he considers the debate on these Bills to be a “domestic matter”. (H.B./transl.rt)