Paul Connaughton
Question:69 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to Mozambique. [30431/03]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
Joe Costello
Question:77 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of discussions he had with political leaders during his official visit to South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30483/03]
Eamon Ryan
Question:85 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent trip to southern Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30508/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 77 and 85 together.
My visit to South Africa and Mozambique began on 21 November. As well as the political meetings undertaken, I visited some of development co-operation Ireland's projects in South Africa and Mozambique. On my second day in South Africa, I visited the township of Soweto and saw the devastating impact which HIV-AIDS has on the local population there and also the great work of our development officers, NGOs and missionaries.
On 22 November, Foreign Minister Zuma hosted a working dinner at her residence for the Irish delegation. Our discussions covered bilateral relations with South Africa, EU-Africa dialogue, Zimbabwe, UN reform, the WTO and the Middle East. It was a very productive meeting in which I outlined our intention, as EU President, to work in partnership with African governments, including South Africa, to enhance Africa's capacity to deal with the issues which the continent faces. I also agreed with Foreign Minister Zuma to the establishment of a structured bilateral partnership agreement with South Africa to augment the relations between our countries. Regular ministerial and official level dialogue is envisaged and the details will be finalised in the coming months.
The following day, I met with President Mbeki and expressed to him our aim to give strong support to African issues during our Presidency next year. We discussed South Africa's role as a successful mediator in various African conflicts, including Burundi. We agreed that effective multilateralism was a common foreign policy aim for both countries and I invited President Mbeki on a state, or indeed official, visit to Ireland at his convenience.
In Mozambique, I met with President Chissano, the current President of the African Union. The president spoke of the African Union's, AU, efforts in conflict resolution and of the intensification of our bilateral relations since 1996. He praised the work of development co-operation Ireland in Niasse and Inhumanbane, two of the poorest regions in Mozambique and Ireland's support of the new partnership for Africa's development, NEPAD, initiative.
I also met Foreign Minister Simao and we spoke on the Zimbabwean issue, judicial reform and the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Mozambique, I also met Mr. Guebuza, the leader of the Frelimo Party and candidate for presidential elections in 2004. Mr. Guebuza expressed his appreciation for the strong relationship which exists between Ireland and Mozambique and also expressed interest in the peace process in Northern Ireland on which I briefed him. Mr Guebuza outlined his vision of the AU and NEPAD as opening a new chapter in the development of Africa and I assured him of Ireland's support in this regard. I also met with Mr. Alfonso Dhlakama, leader of the main opposition Renamo-UE party, and we spoke of the necessity that elections in Mozambique be free and fair in a manner verifiable by the international community.
Overall, my visit to the region was both enlightening and productive. The problems that Africa faces were impressed upon me but I was also impressed by Africa's commitment to solve its own crises. The formation of the African Union last year shows that Africa is serious about tacking these problems in a real and cohesive manner. I was glad also to witness Ireland's aid programmes in both countries and to talk with my counterparts in both governments. These discussions were of the utmost importance in preparing for our upcoming Presidency and the have contributed to the further strengthening of our relations with both South Africa and Mozambique.