Department of International Relations and

Transcript:Department of International Relations and:
Department of International Relations and Cooperation 2nd Quarter Performance Report 1 November 2023 The report is front loaded with performance information on our core function under Programmes 2 – 4, to enable the department to highlight key issues and achievements in the implementation of South Africa’s Foreign Policy; Compliance issues under Programme 1 reflect towards the end of the presentation to showcase how the department supports its core function; The Department has achieved 100% (23 of 23) of targets set for Quarter 2. 2 Introduction Overall Performance The three bilateral branches: Africa, Americas & Europe and Asia & Middle East reported as follows: Regional political reports, including the outcomes of structured bilateral mechanisms (SBMs) and high-level visits (HLVs) aligned to achievement of the NDP and MTSF. The SBMs, HLVs and other political engagements took place against the backdrop of political, economic developments and the security situation in the regions. Quarterly progress reports on the regional trade and investments and investment initiatives undertaken in support of the one government investment approach. Head Office and Missions in the regions continued to explore investment opportunities for South Africa, in line with the objectives of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) which focusses on priority interventions aimed at restoring growth and creating jobs. Quarterly progress reports on the regional tourism-promotion events to promote South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy. Targeted tourism activities such as outreach programmes to tour operators and travel media through information dissemination, participation in Tourism Fairs and Expo’s into the foreign tourism market were undertaken. In addition, Branch: Africa reported on South Africa’s engagement at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which is aimed at promoting political and socio-economic integration which would create a pathway towards addressing the key challenges of underdevelopment, unemployment and poverty. 4 Programme 2: International Relations POLITICAL Africa Structured Bilateral Mechanisms, high-level visits and political engagements with countries on the continent focussed on, among other: 12th Session of the SA–DRC Bi-National Commission (BNC) – President Ramaphosa Decisions regarding the sectoral commissions include, among other: The two countries agreed to renew the Agreement on Cooperation in Social and Humanitarian Affairs, with the inclusion of new areas and through policy and programme development. The DRC would submit the draft Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the two diplomatic academies to South Africa for