Egypt, South Africa boost Arab-African cooperation
Egypt-South Africa, Politics, 4/14/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa held talks late Friday with visiting South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

In press statements following the meeting, Moussa said that the meeting tackled all Arab and African issues of mutual interest as well as promoting bilateral relations in the light of preparations for the joint Egyptian-South African committee meetings, to be held in Cairo in July.

"The two-hour meeting also dwelt on issues pertaining to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) as South Africa is currently holding the rotating presidency of the movement," Moussa added.

"Preparations are currently underway for a NAM meeting to discuss the events on the international arena," he expounded.

"The situation in Sudan and the latest developments in the Middle East also figured high in the discussions," the top Egyptian diplomat said.

As regards the coming meeting of the permanent committee for Arab-African cooperation, to kick off in Algiers on Wednesday, Moussa described it as important as it falls within the context of Arab-African action.

He voiced hope that it would mark the resumption and activation of Arab-African dialogue and cooperation in all domains.

Zuma, on her part, described discussions with Moussa as fruitful and very important.

The top South African diplomat said that it was important to listen to an evaluation from Moussa on the Palestinian issue, the current situation and the work plan of the committee as part of South Africa's presidency of the NAM and preparations for the Palestine committee meeting.

"Egypt and South Africa are members of the Palestine committee. Discussions also dwelt on ways to activate the Arab-African cooperation in the various domains," Zuma added.

She, meantime, praised Egypt's leading role within the context of its membership of the Arab League (AL) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Previous Stories:
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