News

On 24-26 November in Pretoria during the meetings with the officials of the Republic of South Africa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Oskaras Jusys discussed possibilities of development of bilateral relations.

On 26 November, Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry O.Jusys and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa Susan van der Merwe signed a memorandum of understanding between Foreign Ministries of Lithuania and South Africa. It seeks to develop and strengthen mutual relations in various spheres; regular bilateral consultations are foreseen as well.

During the meetings with Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Africa Rob Davis and Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa Ntombazana Botha, O.Jusys discussed perspectives of closer economic and cultural cooperation.

In Pretoria, Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry also met with French and Hungarian diplomats. He discussed the EU-African strategic partnership and perspectives were discussed with Denis Pietton, Ambassador of France, the country currently holding Presidency of the EU.

During the meeting with Hungarian Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa Istvan Emri, O.Jusys showed interest in the representation by the Embassy of Hungary of Lithuania’s consular interests in South Africa. According to an agreement between Lithuania and Hungary, the Embassy of Hungary to South Africa represents Lithuania. Hungarian Embassy issues Schengen visas and provides consular assistance to Lithuanian citizens.

Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry communicated with members of the Lithuanian Community, which was found in South Africa in 2007 and answered questions that the Lithuanian Community was concerned with.

Lithuania and South Africa established diplomatic relations on 20 November 1991.

In 2007, Lithuania’s export to South Africa amounted to 5.0 million Litas. It increased by 85.2 % compared to the year 2006. In 2007, Lithuania’s import from South Africa amounted to 13.2 million Litas. It increased 2.3 times compared to the year 2006.

In 2007, Lithuanian and South African trade turnover was 18.2 million Litas. Compared to the year 2006 it increased twice. Balance of trade was negative – 8.2 million Litas.