Press Release

No. 43/1999
Date: 17 March 1999

South Africa and Norway sign a joint decleration on political and development cooperation

Today Foreign Minister Nzo and Foreign Minister Vollebæk signed a declaration on the extension of contacts and cooperation between South Africa and Norway in the years ahead. The declaration provides for regular political consultations on international issues of mutual interest. Development cooperation between the two countries will be extended for a five-year period beginning in January 2000. NOK 400 million has been earmarked for this purpose. The declaration was signed in the presence of President Mandela and Prime Minister Bondevik.

“The current close bonds between South Africa and Norway are rooted in the common struggle against the apartheid regime,” said Foreign Minister Vollebæk. “The values on which this struggle was based–human dignity, equality and liberty–will continue to constitute the foundation for ties between our two countries in the years ahead. These shared values are also reflected in our active cooperation on important foreign policy issues,” continued Mr. Vollebæk.

He referred to the efforts to achieve a ban on anti-personnel mines, measures to control the proliferation of small arms, child labour and protection of children in armed conflict, human rights, gender equality, environmental and climate-related issues, and support for peace keeping and conflict resolution. “The declaration will help to consolidate and deepen the many close links between our two countries in the years to come,” said Foreign Minister Vollebæk.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 17 March 1999.