Swedish Minister of Defence pays a courtesy visit to Minister Mapisa-Nqakula

On Tuesday, the 4th of October 2016, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will meet her Swedish counterpart Mr. Peter Hultqvist to discuss, inter alia, prospects for defence co-operation between South Africa and Sweden.

Sweden’s relations with South Africa date back centuries. Sweden with other Nordic countries played a significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle. The support came not only from across the entire political spectrum but also at a grass-roots level, involving communities throughout the country. The relationship was further cemented by the SA-Sweden Partnership Year in 1999 and the subsequent establishment of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) under former President Thabo Mbeki and former Prime Minister Persson in 2000.

To date, a number of events have taken place, which have reinforced and deepened already existing close bilateral relations. The Swedish government has even made it a priority to build up a partnership with South Africa as part of the Swedish Government’ Africa policy.

In light of the above, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula has expressed pleasure in hosting this meeting and hope that cooperation between the two countries will expand further.

Members of the media are invited to a photo opportunity and brief opening remarks.

Source: Government of South Africa