Sarkozy's visit to yield SA-France agreement

“The intention is that there is a number of bilateral agreements that will be signed, some of them are works in progress and will depend on the outcome of the discussions,” said Foreign Affairs Director General Gert Grobler on Tuesday.

President Sarkozy is due to arrive today, Thursday, 28 February, accompanied by his wife, former supermodel Carla Bruni and some 40 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) from major French companies.

The delegation will sign an array of bilateral agreements aimed at further strengthening relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Union Buildings, Grobler said there was proposed agreements on science cooperation, transport agreements, energy, the Kyoto Protocol and a tourism agreement.

There is also a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) which is to be signed.

“President Sarkozy has in the months that he's been in power, spoken often about Africa and has said France will continue to be Africa's resolute advocate in Europe...and that Africa will remain a priority of France's foreign policy,” said Grobler regarding France taking the helm of the European Union (EU) later this year.

“South Africa and France enjoy cordial and close relations characterised by regular high level dialogue, diverse bilateral cooperation programmes and growing bilateral trade," said Grobler.

France is the largest donor and trading partner to Africa and is an increasing major investor on the continent.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka visited France in October last year where the ground work was laid for much closer cooperation in the area of JIPSA skills development, said Grobler.

He added that a formal MoU was now ready to be signed during President Sarkozy's visit.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and France totalled some R26 billion in 2006 and 2007, with the trade balance favouring France.

Grobler said South Africa will be looking to increase and diversify exports to that country.

There is currently about 160 French companies in South Africa including massive industry players like Renault and Lafarge.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews