EUHR Solana met with President of South Africa

Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), met today with Thabo MBEKI, President of South Africa, at the Château Val Duchesse.

The two leaders acknowledged the excellent bilateral relations between the European Union and South Africa, further reinforced by this year's entry into force (1 May 2004) of a Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA).

The High Representative underscored the importance given by the European Union to the strong strategic partnership with the African Union. He also complimented South Africa for the important role played within this institution whose action is of great significance for the whole African continent. Javier Solana referred in particular to the support of the European Union to the African Union in relation to the conflict in the region of Darfur in Sudan. Moreover, he expressed his sentiment that no military mission alone will be able to solve the problem, but that all parties should work together for a political solution in Darfur, as well as regards the North/South peace process in Sudan.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognising the importance of the forthcoming elections scheduled to take place in principle in June 2005. The European Union and South Africa are currently working with the Congolese authorities to help them further stabilise the country, and successfully achieve reforms in the security field, in particular as concerns army integration and the demobilisation process.

Javier Solana and Thabo Mbeki also discussed recent developments in Ivory Coast, expressing concern for the violence and deteriorating security situation. The High Representative welcomed the personal mediation efforts of President Mbeki. Both leaders underlined the importance of the recent United Nations Security Council Resolution on an arms embargo.

Finally, Javier Solana updated President Mbeki on his recent trip to Ramallah (Palestinian Occupied Territories), where he had the opportunity to meet with the main leaders of the Palestinian Authority. He also briefed the South-African President on the recent agreement with Iran on the nuclear issue.

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