Minister of International Development visited South Africa
The Minister of International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, visited South Africa on 10 April. He held talks with the South African Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mrs Buyelwa Sonjica, and visited projects funded by Norway in Thembisa and Soweto.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss the co-operation between Norway and South Africa and highlight Norwegian initiatives within the fields of environmental affairs and energy.
At the meeting with Mrs Buyelwa Sonjica the two ministers agreed to continue their co-operation, focussing on support of South Africa’s effort to develop an integrated master plan on energy. Furthermore they agreed to promote cleaner energy and alternative sources of energy, and to co-operate internationally on issues related to climate change.
In Soweto Mr Solheim met with representatives of local government and the President of the IUCN Mr Valli Moosa. He pledged support to the IUCN Johannesburg City Park project.
In his speech the Minister said that Soweto is a global symbol of resistance against supression and violation of Human Rights. He payed tribute to the ongoing efforts to restore the ecosystems and wetlands in Soweto and emphasised the importance of local community involvement in this regard.