Remarks With South African Minister of International Relations Nkoana-Mashabane
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Presidential Guest House
Pretoria, South Africa
August 7, 2009
MODERATOR:
Madame Minister, good morning. Secretary of State Madame Clinton,
Madame Minister Mashabane, we welcome you to this gathering of the media
during Women's Month. Without further ado, we will now hand over to
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to make her remarks, followed by Madame
Clinton.
MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE: Well, thank you very
much. Once again, welcome to South Africa. We had very, very interesting
discussions. In fact, we both agreed that we were doing a catch-up. And
we have, among other things, agreed to elevate our bilateral relations
to a higher level, a level of Madame Secretary and myself, to lead and
coordinate our engagements between the two countries.
We have
looked at areas of collaboration that we’ve had in the past which are
now continuing under working groups from defense to trade and other
things, but there are new issues that we have put on the agenda which
are quite critical: how we should be tackling the world economic and
financial crisis, but particularly focusing on issues that really affect
ordinary people out there, issues around climate change and the impact
on food security; looking at issues of energy security and how we should
be tackling that, bringing in an element of the green energy, because
the kind of resources we use to generate energy are not infinite.
We
also looked at, particularly on food security, on how we should be
using rural development and the technologies that your have to help
expedite (inaudible) funding, particularly in South Africa and in the
broader Africa.
We will continue working together, we have
agreed, at the (inaudible) forum, because we both believe in human
rights, and also saying that there is no separation between democracy
and development, but also to allow the UN to take its rightful place
again and work with us. But also, in South Africa, to continue the
program of south-south cooperation and dialogue, but also use South
Africa as a bridge on the north-south dialogue. We see under your
leadership, Madame Secretary, a continuation of our working together in
partnership, moving also into the -- how we could contribute to the
Middle East peace process, as we both believe that the solution there
lies in the two-state solution.
But on how we can continue
working together again in third countries, particularly on our
experience on peace building and post-conflict reconciliation and
development of all countries.
Our agenda has been long, because,
as I said, all we’ve been doing in catch-up. But again, as you are
coming to South Africa in the Women's Month, we thought, yes, we should
continue working together to enhance our economic and trade relations,
but that it will actually be given (inaudible) much more better
(inaudible) if we establish a joint business council between our two
countries. But also on people-to-people relations and on issues that you
and I are very passionate about, development of our women in the
Women's Month, that we bring our women closer together, and from our
side we will you the progressive woman’s movement of South Africa.
Once again, welcome to South Africa in the Women's Month. (Inaudible.)
SECRETARY CLINTON:
Oh, Madame Minister, it is thrilling to be back in South Africa, and
especially to have this opportunity to work with you. I have greatly
enjoyed our discussions. We started off just the two of us talking, and
then met with our teams. And we both shared our regret that protocol
demanded that we end talking and had to stop our wonderful meeting in
order to keep on schedule. But I am so delighted to be here and to be
working with you.
And of course, I know there is a lot of
anticipation regarding the effort to upgrade and improve our bilateral
relationship and work together on important regional and global matters.
But that excitement is nothing compared to the excitement that I know
you feel about hosting the World Cup next year. (Laughter.) And I think
that the beautifully executed Confederation Cup unfortunately didn't end
the way we wanted it to end, but it was very well done. (Laughter.) And
I am told by some of the young people who are on my team, who intend to
be back here for the World Cup, that they are dreaming of a Bafana
Bafana-U.S. championship. (Laughter.) So if we could arrange that, that
will really enhance our bilateral relationship.
I have a
distinguished delegation, including two members of Congress, Congressman
Donald Payne and Congresswoman Nita Lowey, as well as our next
ambassador to your great country, soon-to-be-Ambassador Donald Gips. And
I appreciate the warm hospitality.
The minister of international
relations and I had an open, free-flowing conversation. We covered so
many subjects. And we believe strongly that, under South Africa's
leadership, many of the issues that confront our world, and particularly
Africa, will be much closer to being solved and resolved. We are a
fellow democracies, fellow members of the G-20. We know we have to work
together to build a global architecture of cooperation. Without that,
many of the challenges that we face individually and together as
inhabitants of this world will not be resolved.
Now, of course, we
have our differences. Friends do. Families do. But with our candor and
our creativity, we believe that we can, through mutual respect and
mutual responsibility, translate our common interests into common
actions, for the betterment of our people.
One of the traits that
I think the minister and I share is a history of activism, and a
history of being involved in politics. And in our present positions, we
want to see the work we do translate into better lives for the people of
South Africa, the United States, and indeed, the world. That's why
we're going to deepen our ties.
We stand ready to support
President Zuma as he seeks to deliver progress for the people of South
Africa in the priority areas that have been established. And of course,
President Obama has a special desire to work closely with President
Zuma, to work closely with South Africa.
We look forward to
strengthening our partnership to confront the scourge of HIV/AIDS. I
have with me our very distinguished new head of our program through
PEPFAR, Dr. Eric Goosby, one of the first doctors anywhere in the world
to begin treating HIV/AIDS in San Francisco, many years ago.
And
as we look at many of the issues that we face – we talked about them
all. We talked about working together to realize the vision of a free,
democratic, prosperous Zimbabwe. We worked – talked about working
together to resolve the north-south differences in Sudan. We commend the
work that South Africa has done through the Southern African
Development Community toward a peaceful resolution to the crisis in
Madagascar. And we look forward to the South African-U.S. business
council creating even more opportunities for trade and exporting.
South
Africa, on the international stage, is playing a more important role.
And we want to work together on everything from climate change to
nonproliferation. President Obama's historic declaration of a few months
ago to move toward a world of zero nuclear weapons was actually
inspired in many ways by what South Africa did voluntarily. And South
Africa has been on the forefront of that movement.
So there is a
lot to be done. It is a formidable agenda that we face. But I know that
the minister and I are interested in making sure that our two countries
not only lead, but demonstrate the kind of cooperation that results in
positive results for the people of the world.
So, again, Madame Minister, thank you so much.
MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE: My pleasure.
MODERATOR:
Madame Clinton, Minister, we thank you for your kind remarks. We will
now ask the – even before I finish my sentence, the hands are up. We
will now take first two questions from the American side, our friends,
and then we will take two more questions from the South African side.
May I start with Sue Pleming from Reuters.
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, (inaudible) what specifically would you like South Africa to do?
And Foreign Minister, what have you promised the Secretary in terms of Zimbabwe?
SECRETARY CLINTON:
Well, there is no need for promises. South Africa is very aware of the
challenges posed by the political crisis in Zimbabwe, because South
Africa has 3 million refugees from Zimbabwe. And every one of those
refugees represents the failure of the Zimbabwe Government to care for
its own people, and a burden that South Africa has to bear.
So South
Africa is deeply involved in working toward a complete fulfillment of
the terms of the agreement that was reached to establish the coalition
government. Obviously, South Africa, on the doorstep of Zimbabwe, has a
lot of contacts with all of the different players in Zimbabwe. And the
minister and I talked about ways we can try, productively, to create a
better outcome for the people of Zimbabwe.
Now, we, as you know,
are attempting to target the leadership of Zimbabwe with sanctions that
we think might influence their behavior without hurting the people of
Zimbabwe. And during the recent visit to the United States of Prime
Minister Tsvangirai, we talked with the President, with President Obama,
and he made a commitment to try to provide more help on education and
health, the kinds of things that the people of Zimbabwe deserve.
So
we are going to be closely consulting as to how best to deal with what
is a very difficult situation for South Africa and for the United
States, but mostly for the people of Zimbabwe.
MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE:
Well, what did we promise? We promised to continue to work with the
people of Zimbabwe to implement the agreement that they signed that made
in Zimbabwe for Zimbabwean agreements. We want them to first track
their actual implementation of the agreements. And about a week ago, a
few days ago, Prime Minister Tsvangirai came to South Africa, met with
President Zuma in my presence, and confirmed that they are moving
forward but that he would want us to encourage the government, and
particularly the president, that they move a little bit faster, so that
people in that country do not lose patience on their slow pace of the
actual implementation of the agreement. And he said that I should say to
our good friend here on arrival that when she lands in South Africa,
BBC and CNN will be broadcasting from Harare. This is one of the
movements forward in making sure that you know where coalition
governments – someone told me that it’s like forced marriages or
arranged marriages. They don’t always work your way, but over time you
get to get used to (inaudible). It’s better than no marriage, for the
sake of the people of Zimbabwe.
Yes, indeed, we've got more than 4
million Zimbabweans in this country. And the passion that myself and
Madame Secretary share is on the plight of women and children, and we
feel that a full, peaceful resolution of what is going on in Zimbabwe
would also give women an opportunity to reclaim their lives.
So
that what we have promised each other, to work together to assist the
people of Zimbabwe to move faster in the actual implementation of the
agreement that they, themselves, have signed.
MODERATOR: (Inaudible.) Mary Beth Sheridan from Washington Post.
QUESTION:
Thank you. Secretary Clinton, there has been a big change in South
Africa's position in the past year regarding HIV/AIDS from what had been
a sort of denial position before. I am wondering, I know this is
important to the U.S. Government, but will his change produce in terms
of the U.S. cooperation with South Africa? You mentioned already there
is -- I think the largest PEPFAR program is in South Africa. So what,
specifically, would his lead to?
And, Madame Secretary, if I
could, U.S. officials have talked about pressing a reset button with
South Africa. So, you know, improving relations that had gotten kind of
chilly under the previous government. So do you see that kind of reset?
And in what areas do you see change with the U.S. government, with your
relations? Thank you.
MODERATOR: Could you kindly repeat the last question?
QUESTION: Sure. Can you hear me? Okay. Okay.
MODERATOR: The mike – can you move it a little bit?
QUESTION: Okay.
MODERATOR: Closer. A little bit closer.
QUESTION:
Okay. Is that better? The U.S. officials had talked about kind of
setting the reset button with South Africa in terms of improving
relations that had become sort of chilly under the last government. So
I'm wondering if that has happened. And in what areas do you see a
change? Thank you.
MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE: Okay. Well,
let me start with the – on the HIV and AIDS, and change. I think the
change that has happened is the emphasis and areas of focus. And we have
agreed that we will continue to work on that. And, by the way, you will
be meeting my colleague, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, the minister for health,
and I am sure he will be better placed to outline what actually are we
doing in partnership with your people to improve the lot of our people
who are already affected or infected.
On the – our relations, we
have historic ties and relations with the people of your country. We
have agreed today that what has not been happening in the past eight
years was that most of the time our relations were happening without
proper coordination. The chill, I haven’t really felt it that much, but
what I did feel was the lack of coordination in the work that was done
by the working groups and so on and so on. And I think the zeal and the
passion that you bring in this relationship, and now that we have agreed
to have a proper political leadership and formal mechanisms to take
this relationship forward, would really be not only exciting, but will
help us to expand in our relations, and also to discover or work on the
new agenda that we’ve also added to the old one that we’ve had before.
SECRETARY CLINTON:
I agree completely. I think that our efforts in the first six and a
half months of the Obama Administration to make sure that Africa itself
is a high priority in our foreign policy, of course, recognizes the
central leadership role that South Africa plays. One cannot think about
making progress on so many fronts, from and health and education to
conflict resolution, without working hand in hand, closely cooperating
and coordinating with South Africa.
So we are not only going to
formalize a mechanism for our bilateral cooperation, but I think the
personal commitment that certainly I and President Obama feel toward
this relationship is reflected in what the minister said.
And
HIV/AIDS is one of those issues. I think that the fact that Dr. Goosby
is here – I believe it might be his second trip since – he’s only been
in office for a few months, and he's been to South Africa twice, and I
see him nodding his head back there – shows how eager we are to broaden
and deepen our relationship with the Zuma administration. And PEPFAR
stands ready to work with the South African Government in whatever way
the government believes is most effective. And I will be discussing that
with the health minister later.
MODERATOR: (Inaudible) South African media (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
SECRETARY CLINTON:
That’s a good question. We talked about AGOA, which has been one of the
biggest market-opening programs in history. As you know, South Africa
has taken more advantage of AGOA than any other African nation. But the
minister and I discussed ways to improve and increase even that
utilization, so that more products made in South Africa can enter the
American market duty free.
We also talked about expanding and
extending our own bilateral trade and investment and development
cooperation, and we’ll be discussing how best to do that. What kind of
additional agreements do we need to enhance business between our two
countries? And as the minister said, we agreed to begin a U.S.-South
Africa business council, and I will be speaking about that later, at
lunch.
But we also talked about the challenges faced within
Africa. African countries trade less among themselves than countries in
any other region. The United States is a market of 300 million people.
Africa has a market of nearly 800 million. Now, granted, we have a
higher degree of prosperity and greater consumption, but think about
developing a market of 800 million people. And yet, African countries
don't trade at all the way that it would enhance the business climate
and the benefits to producers and consumers.
So, these are some of the issues that the minister and I will put on the agenda for our bilateral strategic dialogue.
MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE:
Well, I think you’ve said it all. We need to work with your
Administration to support the African development bank in, you know,
providing resources, financial resources, for us to expedite NEPAD
programs for the provision of infrastructure in between our countries,
because that is the only way (inaudible) expedite inter-trade within the
African countries. But also the conclusion of the Doha round of the WTO
would also go a long way in assisting us to move forward.
On
AGOA, Madame Secretary also agreed that the need to expand it to also
include and support, particularly from the South African side, smaller
companies, majority of them headed by women, to also gain access. So
that it is not only the big companies that are accessing the American
market, but also in the smaller ones, who are mainly women, that also
get to join the party.
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
SECRETARY CLINTON:
That's an interesting question. Right now, we are focused on supporting
the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia against the threat of
radical violent extremists, al-Shabaab, and their allies. The minister
and I are well aware that al-Shabaab is recruiting young Somalis from
South Africa, Australia, and the United States to become suicide
bombers, to participate in their efforts to turn Somalia into a safe
haven for terrorism, which the United States believes would not just
threaten the Horn of Africa, but all of Africa and beyond.
And
our primary focus has been on supporting the TFG, but not just
militarily. Of course, the security concerns are paramount. But I was
impressed by the meeting I had with President Sheikh Sharif yesterday in
which he asked for assistance that would provide medical supplies,
reopening hospitals, books and materials to reopen schools, so that as
they gain ground against al-Shabaab, they're able to deliver services
for the people.
Now, we also are going to work to ensure that
that government is democratic. They have made certain comments about
their desire to have elections within the next year or two, if they are
able to do so within the security environment.
So the focus we
have had is on Somalia and on Somali land. Obviously, we are watching
that. We are, you know, not ready to announce any policy, because we
want to try to stabilize Somalia first.
MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE:
Well, I think we have discussed this issue, and I think we do share the
idea of the support of the Transitional Federal Government. And under
the President Zuma's leadership, we have met with President Sharif on
the sidelines of the AU, and they have made certain requests to the
South African Government for support. And I can say to our media people
here that, as far as we are concerned, on our side, they have asked for
support for training to build institutions of government, more than
anything else. That’s the request we’ve got from the Somalia, the
transitional government.
The AU also believes that we need to
give this TFG support because we really cannot afford to have a failed
state on our continent. And I think that's what we share with your good
Administration, that a failed state in the Horn of Africa is not in the
interest of any part of our global village. And that's why we are
resolved to working together to make sure that we really don't hand over
this country to al-Shabaab. That's what we are determined to do.
MODERATOR: Thank you.
