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Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Hon. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is scheduled to visit the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from 27 March to 29 March 2017. The objective of the trip is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Defence between the government of the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Furthermore, the MoU will seek to promote collaboration and exchange between the two countries in line with the latest Defence Review.

Due to sanctions and embargoes imposed against South Africa, the two countries did not officially initiate bilateral relations only until the end of apartheid in 1994. However, since then, Pakistan-SA relationship has been gaining momentum.

The importance of continuous cementing of relations in an effort to share knowledge and ideas can never be overemphasized. As the South African National Defence Force, we believe in empowering ourselves and others through collaborative partnerships and agreements, said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.
In addition, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula expressed hope that the MoU will yield the expected results.

Minister Mapisa-Nqakula' maiden trip to Pakistan marks the first official visit by a South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans in democratic South Africa. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula and her entourage, which will be mainly comprised of executive advisors from the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans, will meet with the Pakistani delegation in Islamabad.



Issued by GCIS on behalf of Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans