U.S - South Africa Strategic Dialogue Convenes Annual Bilateral Forum to Advance Critical Issues of Mutual Interest.
T
he South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation hosted the first official bilateral meeting under the new U.S.South Africa Strategic Dialogue signed by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on 14 April 2010. This meeting, known as the South Africa–United States Annual Bilateral Forum, met in Pretoria 12-13 May 2010. The Forum was co-chaired by Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko, Deputy Director-General: Americas and Caribbean, and the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Donald H. Gips. The Annual Bilateral Forum is now focused on priority areas as outlined in the Strategic Dialogue Memo-
randum of Understanding and provides a mechanism to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues of shared interest and common concern, including development, security and economic cooperation; and reaffirms the strong, growing relations between South Africa and the United States. Discussions at the Annual Bilateral Forum focused on key priority areas, including health, education, agriculture, law enforcement, trade, investment, energy, climate change, and regional security. The two sides agreed to establish functional working groups in several broad topic areas in order to implement mutually agreed upon programmes and strategies. At the conclusion of the Forum, the co-chairs stated, “This official meeting was a big step in our roadmap to closer
cooperation and an enduring national friendship. Our countries share many interests and aspirations for our people and the global community – it is both natural and productive for us to work together in realizing these goals. To echo our Presidents, ‘Together we can do more,’ and ‘Yes, we can.’” For more information contact Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 4716, 012 351 0083 or email him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za
Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation OR Tambo Building 460 Soutpansberg Road RIETONDALE Pretoria
U.S. Department of State Contributes $200 Million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
T
he United States is pleased to announce an initial contribution of $200 million toward the 2010 operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The contribution will support UNHCR efforts worldwide. These activities include refugee returns to Afghanistan and Burundi; local integration and third-country resettlement of refugees; and protection and provisions of water, shelter, food, healthcare, and education to people under UNHCR’s care. The contribution will directly support UNHCR’s 2010 Program Budget activities in the amounts and regions indicated below. Africa East Asia Europe Near East South Asia Western Hemisphere Global Operations Headquarters Emergency Response Activities
$ 50.05 million $ 9.50 million $ 25.10 million $ 6.20 million $ 58.20 million $ 9.80 million $ 14.00 million $ 9.65 million $ 17.50 million
TOTAL
$ 200.00 million
Black Business News International Edition -39- Spring/Summer 2010