Brussels, 09/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU-South Africa summit hosted on 15 September at the Kruger National Park will focus on topical international issues such as the future and stabilisation of Libya, the Middle East in the wake of the Arab Spring, the peace process in the Middle East, and the fight against climate change.
Discussion will also turn to the worrying state of tension at the border between Sudan and South Sudan and the efforts deployed in order to hold free elections next year in Zimbabwe. More generally, the two parties will review all questions of common interest within the framework of the EU-South Africa strategic partnership established in 2007. The number of subjects on the agenda reflects, moreover, the extent of this partnership which covers not only political issues but also development and trade. The annual summit, the fourth of its kind, will provide an opportunity for the EU to find common ground and deepen its relations with an emerging country and a key partner playing a major political role not only in the mediation of African conflicts but also within the G20 and the Security Council where it is the only African country represented. It is also South Africa that will host the UN climate conference at the end of the year (COP 17, Durban).
The European Union will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy, Permanent President of the European Council; Commission President José Manuel Barroso; Nicholas Westcott, the executive director for Africa within the European External Action Service (EEAS); and Commissioners Andris Piebalgs (Development) and Karel De Gucht (Trade).
South Africa will be represented by its president, Jacob Zuma, and six government ministers: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, the minister for international relations and cooperation; Trevor Manuel, the minister for national planning; Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan; Science and Technology Minister Naledi Andor; Trade Minister Rob Davies; and the minister for water and environmental issues, Ena Molewa.
The summit will be preceded by ministerial meetings between the European commissioners and South-African ministers in charge of development and commerce. (A.N./transl.jl)