South Africa and Guinea have set objectives to further promote political, economic and social cooperation, during the second Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) concluded on Monday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said.

“[Today’s meeting] underscores the desire and the will of our countries to trade, exchange investments and skills with the view to unlock the potential for economic development and address the needs of our people,” she stated, adding that it had been decided that officials would meet at least once a year with the view to implement the decisions of the meeting.

Nkoana-Mashabane noted that the second JCC had been characterised by cooperative interaction aimed at deepening the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Guinea and South Africa established the JCC in 2006, with eight agreements having been signed between the countries to date, including agreements relating to diplomatic consultations, trade, visa waivers and education.

“These agreements indicate the willingness of our two governments to continue [to] strengthen the already cordial relations,” Nkoana-Mashabane said.

She added that, during the second JCC meeting the two countries agreed that there was great potential to be explored to further strengthen their relationship for mutual benefit.

“We are convinced that our efforts will produce tangible results for the benefit of our people,” Nkoana-Mashabane stated.