MEDIA RELEASE

VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE OF TUNISIA TO THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE SOUTH AFRICA/TUNISIA DEFENCE COMMITTEE (JMC), CAPE TOWN, 19 SEPTEMBER 2006

The Honourable Minister of National Defence of Tunisia, Mr. Kamel Morjane paid an official visit to South Africa at the invitation of the RSA Minister of Defence, Honourable Mosiuoa Lekota.

During the visit, Minister Morjane co-chaired with Minister Lekota the Ministerial session of the South Africa/Tunisia Joint Military Committee (JMC) meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa on 18 and 19 September 2006.

The meeting, which was conducted in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, discussed among others cooperation between the two countries on various defence matters, including the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of peace support missions, training and re-skilling of military personnel.

The two Ministers agreed to keep close contact and to consult with each other on issues of mutual concern.

The meeting also discussed the security situation in Africa, particularly in the SADC region. It further discussed the involvement of South Africa and Tunisia in efforts to end conflicts in certain parts of the region, the continent and the rest of the world.

Both parties agreed that the RSA/Tunisia Joint Military Committee should meet alternately in Tunisia and South Africa every 24 months.

Enquiries: Mr Sam Mkhwanazi
0836280858