STAFF REPORTER
President Cyril Ramaphosa departs on Wednesday for a working visit to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a short media statement that the visit follows the invitation by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC.
Ramaphosa will co-chair the Head of State and Government segment of the 12th Session of DRC –South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Thursday.
The DRC–South Africa Bi-National Commission structure provides for the establishment of four (04) Sectoral Committees:
· Political and Governance Sectoral Commission co-chaired by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation;
· Defence and Security Sectoral Commission co-chaired by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans;
· Economy, Finance and Infrastructure Sectoral Commission co-chaired by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; and
· Social and Humanitarian Sectoral Commission co-chaired by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
The working visit provides an opportunity for the two Presidents to discuss political and economic bilateral issues, as well as regional, continental, and international matters of mutual concern.
A Business Forum will be held on the margins of the BNC on Thursday, and the two Heads of State and Government will also participate in the Business Forum.
Magwenya said the Business Forum will offer the private sector opportunities for both countries to explore possible trade and investment contracts in South Africa and DRC.
“The seminar will primarily focus on four key sectors of Agriculture and Agro-processing, Energy & Infrastructure, Health and Pharmaceuticals and Mining,” he said.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; State Security; Defence and Military Veterans; Trade, Industry and Competition; Police; Mineral Resources and Energy; Transport; Home Affairs and Social Development.
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