6 January 1997
JOINT COMMUNIQUE
At the invitation of his Excellency Mr Gnassingbe Eyadema, President of the Republic of Togo, his Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa has paid an official visit on the 4th and 5th January 1997.
During his stay, his Excellency Mr Mbeki had discussions with the head of State of Togo about questions of common interest, of bilateral, continential and international nature.
At the bilateral level both Statesmen expressed their satisfaction regarding the recent evolution of bonds of friendship, co-operation and solidarity prevailing between South Africa and TOGO, and have decided to work without respite for their reinforcement.
They were particularly delighted at the decision taken in March 1996, to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries and have agreed upon the exchange of Ambassadors at the soonest.
President Eyadema has emphasized the key role South Africa will play, thanks to its level of development in the new battle that Africa has undertaken in order to get out of its economic stagnation.
In this context, the two parties decided to intensify their relations of co-operation at economic and commercial levels. To this end, they agreed to start negotiations in order to conclude an Air agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Togo.
As regards the African continent, President Eyadema and the Deputy President Mbeki have deplored the persistence of conflicts particularly the drama which is prevailing in the region of the Great Lakes.
They have appealed to the Heads of the concerned States and the international community to work together for the regain of peace and stability in the region.
For that purpose, they have expressed their readiness to support all initiatives aiming at a peaceful resolution of the political problems in the region. They have strongly reaffirmed the principle for the respect of the inviolability of boundaries as required by the Organization of African Unity and other international instruments.
The Two Statesmen have also expressed their concern as regards the grave crises that are affecting Africa; they therefore stressed the need for setting up an African Peace Keeping Force as quickly as possible.
To that effect, the Deputy President Mbeki discussed the creation of the Peace Keeping Force initiated by President Eyadema.
President Eyadema has appreciated the growing involvement of South Africa in trying to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, thus contributing to the safeguard of peace and security on the continent.
He therefore paid tribute to His Excellency Nelson Mandela for his efforts for peace, in Africa and particularly in the region of the Great Lakes.
Tackling economic problems in the continent, the two Statesmen noted the weak participation of Africa in the world Economy and Trade.
They have considered that economic groupings such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), constitute structures likely to prepare Africa to face the challenges confronting our economies, through the promotion of an inter-regional co-operation.
President Eyadema has expressed the wish that exchanges could be established between the SADC and ECOWAS for the latter to profit from the rich experience of its counterpart from Southern Africa in the field of Regional integration.
The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa has also had a meeting with the Togolese Prime Minister, His Excellency Kwassi Klutse, and the members of his government to exchange views on the issues of co-operation profitable to both countries.
During his visit, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki was made "Grand Officer de l'Ordre du Mono".
At the conclusion of the discussions which have taken place in a sincere and friendly atmosphere, and before leaving Togo, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki has expressed his gratitude to the people of Togo and their government, for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and to his delegation.
He wished the President of the Republic of Togo good health and happiness, progress and prosperity to the People of Togo.
His Excellency Mbeki has renewed to the President Eyadema the invitation that was extended to him in March 1996 by President Mandela, to pay an official visit to the republic of South Africa.
Kara, 5th January 1997
Republic of Togo, Republic of South Africa
(signed) Kwassi Klutse, Prime Minister
(signed) Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President