Department of International Relations and

Transcript:Department of International Relations and:
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) 2022/2023 ANNUAL REPORT presentation to the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation 18 October 2023 Outline of presentation Summary of overall Performance Performance per programme Overall Performance 96% Programme 2 Programme 2 The engagements undertaken during the reporting period centred on the promotion of South Africa’s National Interests and areas of mutual interest as well as exchange of views on a wide spectrum of bilateral and global issues of concern South Africa continued to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation with the world through structured bilateral mechanisms and the exchange of high-level visits and engagements Areas prioritised were aligned to the imperatives of the NDP and MTSF and included economic transformation, job creation, education, health, co-operation in energy, mining and the oceans economy, as well as skills development Programme 2 (cont.) Economic relations were strengthened through activities such as the hosting of business seminars, networking sessions and engagements with potential high-level investors and importers. The identification of possible mutual investment opportunities between the countries further allowed the strengthening of bilateral relations in that it showed the sincerity of South Africa in mutual benefits. In line with government’s priorities to accelerate transformation and create jobs, tourism has been identified as a tool for development. Africa The structured bilateral mechanisms, high–level and political engagements with countries in the region took place against the backdrop of political and economic developments on the continent Bilateral cooperation in the various sectors as well as new areas of cooperation including agriculture, energy, food processing, ecosystem protection and tourism, regular convening of mechanisms, cooperation in the multilateral arena on issues of mutual concern, civic and immigration matters, education, the strengthening of economic ties and employment creation High–level discussions on regional, continental and global matters of mutual concern included the Tripartite Free-Trade Area with stakeholders on the continent to establish strong relations, being mindful of the sovereignty of individual countries on the African continent and in line with the AU principles and the rule of law Trade and investment outreach initiatives on the continent focused on meetings with domestic stakeholders such as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy; host government ministries; private companies and ongoing support to missions to promote bilateral investment including participation in the Eighth Africa Forum of Investment and Commerce in Algeria Investment discussions focused on the