Javier SOLANA EU HR for the CFSP met with Thabo MBEKI President of South Africa

							                                                                                                 Brussels, 16 November 2004
                                                                                                                   S0306/04


                                Javier SOLANA,
                       EU High Representative for the CFSP,
                  met with Thabo MBEKI, President of South Africa

Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security
Policy (CFSP), met today with Thabo MBEKI, President of South Africa, at the Château Val
Duchesse.

The two leaders acknowledged the excellent bilateral relations between the European Union and
South Africa, further reinforced by this year's entry into force (1 May 2004) of a Trade,
Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA).

The High Representative underscored the importance given by the European Union to the strong
strategic partnership with the African Union. He also complimented South Africa for the important
role played within this institution whose action is of great significance for the whole African
continent. Javier Solana referred in particular to the support of the European Union to the African
Union in relation to the conflict in the region of Darfur in Sudan. Moreover, he expressed his
sentiment that no military mission alone will be able to solve the problem, but that all parties should
work together for a political solution in Darfur, as well as regards the North/South peace process in
Sudan.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognising the
importance of the forthcoming elections scheduled to take place in principle in June 2005. The
European Union and South Africa are currently working with the Congolese authorities to help
them further stabilise the country, and successfully achieve reforms in the security field, in
particular as concerns army integration and the demobilisation process.

Javier Solana and Thabo Mbeki also discussed recent developments in Ivory Coast, expressing
concern for the violence and deteriorating security situation. The High Representative welcomed
the personal mediation efforts of President Mbeki. Both leaders underlined the importance of the
recent United Nations Security Council Resolution on an arms embargo.

Finally, Javier Solana updated President Mbeki on his recent trip to Ramallah (Palestinian Occupied
Territories), where he had the opportunity to meet with the main leaders of the Palestinian
Authority. He also briefed the South-African President on the recent agreement with Iran on the
nuclear issue.

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         This statement is attributable to Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman of Javier Solana.
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                                                 FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
                           Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP
                                 +32 (0)2 285 6467 / 8239 / 6217 / 5150 / 5151   +32 (0)2 285 5694
                                             internet: http://ue.eu.int/solana
                                            e-mail: presse.cabinet@consilium.eu.int