SA, EU reaffirm and seek to deepen relationship

European Council president Herman van Rompuy, President Jacob Zuma and European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso
Photo by Keith Campbell
South African President Jacob Zuma reaffirmed the importance of his country's relationship with the European Union (EU) on Thursday. He was speaking to the media in Pretoria at the end of the sixth South Africa/EU summit.
"We value this strategic partnership immensely," he said. He highlighted that 77% of South Africa's foreign direct investment (FDI) came from the EU. "To further boost our economic ties, our productive meeting [today] further discussed trade and investment." The course of negotiations between the EU and the Southern African Development Community on the planned new Economic Partnership Agreement were also reviewed.
"Our collaboration traverses many sectors, including science and technology, education, health, skills development and many other fields," noted Zuma. Reviewing South Africa's still significant socioeconomic problems and challenges, he observed that "[w]e are of the firm view that, given these conditions, the EU should continue its development aid to South Africa".
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stated that the "EU and South Africa are natural partners in many ways. Our strategic partnership has reached a mature stage." He highlighted that FDI from the EU had created 350 000 direct jobs in South Africa. "I believe that trade is a powerful engine to boost our economies."
"South Africa is one of only ten countries in the world with which the EU has a formal strategic partnership," pointed out European Council President Herman van Rompuy. "Our relationship is based on common values."
"We are expanding cooperation to new areas," reported Barroso. "Today we discussed energy." The media briefing was marked by the signing of an agreement between the South African government and the European Atomic Energy Community for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
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