The visit in the Republic of South Africa paid by Ioan Mircea Pascu minister of National Defense started in Cape Town, the legislative center of the country, having the official discussions with Leonard Ramatlakane, minister of local security in the Government of the West County. The talks aimed mainly the place and the role of the Armed Forces in preventing and eliminating the asymmetric threats, in creating and maintaining the democratic climate and stability necessary for the social development.

In Cape Town the Romanian official had talks with Naledi Pandor, president of the National Council of the Counties (Senate) on the civilian control over the Armed Forces and the increase of the bilateral relations having in view the future visit in Bucharest of the South African dignitary.

In Pretoria, the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa, minister Pascu met Mosioua Patrick Lekota, his counterpart. This occasion they had an exchange of opinions on security in the regions their countries exist, the increase of military bilateral relations and the international counter-terrorism. It was organized the ceremony of signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Romania and the Government of Republic of South Africa on defense cooperation, this document is setting the juridical bases for increasing the relations between the two Armed Forces. As regarding the cooperation in defense industry they agreed on facilitating direct contracts between companies from Romania and Republic of South Africa.

Ioan Mircea Pascu was also received by Thabo Mbeki, president of Republic of South Africa. This occasion minister Pascu handed over a message from Ion Iliescu, president of Romania and they had an exchange of opinions on regional and international situation. President Mbeki sent the best regards to his Romanian counterpart and his wish to meet him in a near future in Bucharest or in Pretoria.

The Romanian minister of National Defense met Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Africa. The discussions were focused on the international situation and the bilateral relations, mainly the re-opening of the Embassy of Republic of South Africa in Bucharest and they appreciated the upwards course of the relations between the two countries.

The Romanian delegation also visited a showroom of the South African industry organized by DENEL company. There was stressed the possibility for cooperation in this important area and the hope that there will be fruitful in the future.

MoND Press Office