SA to boost economic ties with Spain

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs the minister's visit with Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos will focus on strengthening bilateral political, investment and trade relations.

It will also further promote the economic relations between the two counties.

Spain is South Africa's seventh largest export destination globally, and to date, total trade between South Africa and Spain has increased from R11 billion in 2004 to R19 billion in 2007.

Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Moratinos are expected to consider enhanced Spanish engagement with Africa through focused support for conflict resolution on the African continent.

“Promotion of social and economic developments including support for the Africa Union, socio- economic programmes, NEPAD [New Partnership for Africa's Development] will be discussed,” the department said.

Discussions will also look at South Africa's participation in the Zaragoza World Expo which will be held from June to September 2008.

It will further focus on increased cooperation in the multilateral context, inter alia, the comprehensive reform of United Nation Institutions and United Nations Security Council issues.

During her visit, Dlamini Zuma will interact with a number of Spanish companies who have shown a strong interest in investing in South Africa.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews