KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The Asian region is ranked as the highest
trade partner with South Africa which amounted to RM225 billion last year,
compared to other regions including with the European Union (EU), Minister
of
International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Maite Nkoana Mashabane
said.
As such, she expressed the hope that the economic and trade ties between
South Africa with countries in Asian region would be further enhanced.
Mashabane said this in her remarks at a luncheon meeting for Heads of
Mission from Asian countries including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and
Timor-Leste at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
(Dirco), Pretoria, South Africa on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the Malaysian High Commision Office in
South Africa, the foreign envoys were headed by Malaysian High Commissioner to
South Africa, Kennedy Jawan in his capacity as Dean of the Asian Regional Group.
At the luncheon meeting, Mashabane also briefed the Asian Heads of
Mission on South Africa''s foreign policy which places emphasis on the African
continent, the statement added.
She emphasised the importance of South Africa''s bid for the African Union
Commission chairmanship as a crucial step to address issues of importance to
the continent, it said.
Jawan in his response hopes that more frequent interaction could be held
between Dirco and the Asian Heads of Mission.
-- BERNAMA
NCD AKT ZUB