Statement by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and        Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman, on the occasion of welcoming Prof. Cyril Karabus to South Africa, Cape Town International Airport, 17 May 2013. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the media. Thank you for joining us as we welcome home our compatriot, Prof. Cyril Karabus, whose prolonged ordeal in the United Arab Emirates is well documented.

The President of the Republic of South Africa H.E. Mr. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, will receive the Governor General of Canada, H.E. Mr. David Johnston, for a State Visit to South Africa on 21 May 2013. This will be Governor General Johnston’s first visit to the Republic of South Africa. The purpose of the State Visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Arrival of Prof Karabus back home. Members of the media are invited to a press briefing on Prof Cyril Karabus’ anticipated arrival back in South Africa from the United Arab Emirates. The briefing will be addressed by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman, Prof. Karabus, members of his family and his legal team.

Statement in Explanation of Vote at the United Nations General Assembly on the Situation in the Syrian Arab Republic - 15 May 2013. It is now more than two years since the beginning of the Syrian crisis and there is very little hope for a peaceful and sustainable solution.  As the Syrian crisis continues unabated, civilians are paying a heavy price as they are being killed, maimed and displaced on a daily basis.  This conflict has gone on for far too long under our watch and now is the time that we exerted our collective effort to bring peace to Syria.

Deputy Minister Fransman arrives in Prague, Czech Republic, on a Working Visit. International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman has arrived in Prague, the Czech Republic, ahead of a Working Visit scheduled for 15 May 2013. During his visit, Deputy Minister Fransman will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Tomáš Dub. The visit will be utilised to strengthen bilateral political and economic cooperation.

President Zuma to undertake a Working Visit to the Russian Federation. The President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, will undertake a Working Visit to the Russian Federation on 16 May 2013. President Zuma will be accompanied by a delegation of cabinet Ministers including Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr MCJ Van Schalkwyk; Minister of Tourism, Mr S Cwele; Minister of State Security, Mr EN Mthethwa; Minister of Police and Ms D Peters; Minister of Energy.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 15 May 2013. Cabinet’s position on prominent issues in the current environment - Cabinet expressed concern at recent labour unrests at Lonmin’s Marikana Mine which has led to the downing of tools and a disruption of productivity. The dispute is reported as centering around issues of majority representation involving the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association for Mining and Construction Union.

Government welcomes the release of Prof Karabus’ documentation. The South African Government welcomes the decision today, 14 May 2013, by the Interior Ministry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to issue the necessary letter that will enable the UAE Immigration Authorities to issue the necessary permission for Prof Cyril Karabus to depart the UAE.

Media Statement by Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim during the DIRCO weekly media briefing on international developments, 14 May 2013, Pretoria, South Africa. Ladies and Gentleman, Our briefing today will focus on the international developments including Syria/Turkey situation, Outcomes of SADC Troika, Updates on Prof Karabus and developments on the Continent. Starting with the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, the South African Government has taken note of the latest regional escalation in the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim to brief media on international developments

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim I Ebrahim, will address the media on international developments, including Syria/Turkey situation and developments on the Continent.

Remarks by Deputy Minister Marius Fransman on the occasion of the Joint Press Conference following the conclusion of the South Africa-Belarus Inter-Ministerial Political Consultations, Minsk, 13 May 2013. On behalf of my delegation, allow me to thank you, the Government and the people of Belarus for the warm reception and hospitality since our arrival here. The relationship between South Africa and Belarus has continued to develop well since diplomatic relations were established in 1993.

Statement on meeting between President Jacob Zuma and Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Zuma held discussions with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, The Right Honourable Thomas Thabane today, 13 May 2013.

Deputy Minister Fransman concludes visit to Switzerland following participation in the Ministerial Meeting on UN Chemicals and Wastes Conventions. International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman concluded his visit to Geneva, Switzerland, where he led a South African delegation to the High-level Segment of the Simultaneous Extraordinary Meetings of the Conferences of States Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions on 9-10 May 2013.

Toast Remarks by H.E. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, Cape Town International Convention Centre, 09 May 2013. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Mother City, Cape Town, on this very auspicious occasion of the World Economic Forum on Africa. I am told that this is the first time that WEF has hosted so many Heads of State and Government in one sitting. We are deeply honoured by this attendance.

South African Government calls for return of Professor Karabus to South Africa. The South African Government takes note of the latest developments surrounding the return of Professor Cyril Karabus’s passport after being found not guilty twice by the UAE lower court and appeal court for manslaughter in connection with the death of a three-year old cancer patient more than ten years ago.

Deputy Minister Fransman concludes a successful visit to Azerbaijan. International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman successfully concluded his two-day working visit to Azerbaijan. This was the first working visit by a South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Azerbaijan.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to host five Swedish Ministers to South Africa

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to host Five Swedish Ministers to South Africa. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane together with the Ministers of Trade, Dr Rob Davies, National Planning, Mr. Trevor Manuel and the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Nhlanhla Nene will, on Thursday, 9 May 2013, host a Joint Ministerial Breakfast meeting with her Swedish counterpart, Mr Carl Bildt who will be accompanied by the Swedish EU Affairs Minister, Ms Birgitta Ohlsson, the International Development Cooperation, Ms Gunilla Carlsson, Finance Minister, Mr Anders Borg as well as the Trade Minister, Ms Ewa Björling.

Deputy Minister Fransman arrives in Baku, Azerbaijan for Working Visit. International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman has arrived in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan for a two-day working visit. This will be the first working visit by a South African Deputy Foreign Minister to Azerbaijan.

Syrian Conflict: Condemnation of Israeli air attack on targets in Syria. The South African Government is deeply concerned over reports of alleged attacks by Israel over the weekend on targets inside the Syrian Arab Republic, the second and third such attacks since the start of 2013.

Joint Communiqué issued on the occasion of the State Visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H. E. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, held in Cape Town, South Africa, 6 – 8 May 2013. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, paid a State Visit to South Africa from 6 - 8 May 2013.

Statement by High Commissioner Dr Zola Skweyiya at the London Conference on Somalia, 07 May 2013. Allow me to express South Africa’s appreciation to the Government of the United Kingdom for co-hosting, together with the new Government of Somalia, this auspicious Conference on Somalia. May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Nicholas Kay on his recent appointment as the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Somalia.

Remarks by President Jacob Zuma at the end of the Official Talks with His Excellency President Goodluck Jonathan of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cape Town, 07 May 2013. Your visit has generated a lot of interest, excitement and optimism in our country, given the historical relations between Nigeria and South Africa. As we head towards celebrating 20 years of freedom next year, we remain highly appreciative of the solidarity that the South African liberation struggle and our people enjoyed from successive governments and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

State Visit by the President of the Republic of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Zuma, will receive the President of the Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on a State Visit to South Africa.

Deputy Minister Fransman to visit Central and Eastern European Countries. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman, will undertake visits to Azerbaijan, Belarus, Czech Republic and Romania for Political Consultations with his counterparts from 6 to 16 May 2013. The Deputy Minister will be in Azerbaijan from 7 to 8 May, Belarus on 13 May, the Czech Republic from 14 to 15 May and Romania on 16 May 2013.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to address Opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP)

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will deliver a message of solidarity at the Opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) scheduled for 6-17 May 2013 in Midrand.

Media Statement on the Plane which landed at Waterkloof Airforce Base on 3rd May 2013. We wish to thank you for coming to this briefing by government to address the unauthorised landing of a private plane at the Waterkloof Air Force Base. Government has investigated this security breach. Government is gravely concerned at this violation of the security protocol and total disregard of established practice for clearing the landing of aircraft in a military facility that is of strategic importance to the country.

Opening Remarks by H.E. President Zuma at the Central African Republic International Contact Group meeting, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 3 May 2013. Let me begin by thanking His Excellency the President of the Republic of Congo for the exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality accorded to us since our arrival in Brazzaville. We feel truly at home in this beautiful sister country.

President Zuma to receive President Jonathan of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for a State Visit. H.E. Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa will host H.E. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), for a two-day State Visit in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-7 May 2013. This will be President Jonathan’s first visit to the Republic of South Africa.

President Zuma arrives in Brazzaville for a meeting on the CAR. His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, to take part in the first meeting of the International Contact Group that is expected to discuss the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).

South Africa to raise concern about negative remarks made by Zambia’s Vice President Guy Scott. South Africa has taken note of the negative remarks on South Africa attributed to Mr Guy Scott, the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia. In view of this development, the South African Government has decided to take the matter up through the appropriate diplomatic channels.

DIRCO suspends the Chief of State of Protocol. In the past 24 hours The Department of International Relations has been assessing the circumstances around the travel arrangements of a visiting foreign delegation that landed at Waterkloof airbase on the morning of 30 April 2013 thoroughly and all senior officials involved have been engaged.

President Zuma to attend Contact Group Meeting on CAR. President Jacob Zuma will today depart for Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo, ahead of the International Contact Group meeting on the Central African Republic. President Zuma will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Minister of State Security, Dr Siyabonga Cwele.

President Zuma to undertake a working visit to the Republic of Congo. His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma will undertake a working visit to the Republic of Congo to attend the Contact Group Meeting on the Central African Republic (CAR), scheduled for 3 May 2013 in Congo Brazzaville.