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South Africa, Latin America, Caribbean form economic ties
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 South Africa has realised that its historical ties with Latin America and Caribbean countries are predominantly political and it is time to harness trade and investment in the already existing relations. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers hosted Heads of Missions from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean (GRULAC) in a discussion forum, in Pretoria. The aim was to discuss how the countries can mutually benefit from each other. The Deputy Minister envisaged in his opening remarks that the meeting will lay a strong foundation that will boost South African economy in future. The meeting was first of its kind in terms of discussing economic opportunities. Following the discussions, DIRCO Deputy Director General for Europe and Americas, Yolisa Maya, said the main aim of the meeting was to highlight complementarities that South Africa has with GRULAC countries and work together in trading. GCIS
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Cuban Five welcomed in South Africa
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 South Africa welcomes to its shores the five Cuban National Heroes, namely, Gerardo Hernandez, Ramón Labañino, Fernando Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero and René Gonzalez, who are visiting the country from 21 June to 03 July 2015. Cuba has participated in the reconstruction of South Africa after the demise of Apartheid by training, inter alia, scores of South African youth in medicine in Cuba. Cuba's ongoing support for the South African Government's main priorities through the implementation of joint programmes in health, social development, defence, housing and infrastructure is significant. To celebrate their release and to thank them for their sacrifices made during the war in Angola, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation hosted a Public Participation Programme in Cape Town on 22 June 2015 led by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Mr L Landers.
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UN awards first-ever Nelson Mandela Prize
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 The inaugural winners of the United Nations (UN) Nelson Mandela Prize are from Namibia and Portugal. Dr Helena Ndume of Namibia and Jorge Fernando Branco Sampaio of Portugal were announced the winners by the President of the United Nations General Assembly Sam Kutesa.Established in June 2014, the prize recognises the achievements of those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity by promoting UN purposes and principles, while honouring Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life and legacy of reconciliation, political transition and social transformation. The Nelson Mandela Prize is an honorary award that will be presented once every five years as a tribute to the outstanding achievements and contributions of two individuals (one female and one male).
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Pakistan High Commissioner inaugurates Machine Readable Passport Service
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 High Commissioner of Pakistan H.E. Najm us Saqib formally inaugurated the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) Service at the High Commission of Pakistan, Pretoria.By starting the MRP issuing service, the long-standing demand of the Pakistani community based in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland, has been fulfilled.
Speaking to a gathering comprising the Pakistani community, the High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Government of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for looking after the interests of overseas Pakistanis. Representatives of the large Pakistani community expressed appreciation over the keen interest taken by the Government of Pakistan in resolving all outstanding issued facing them overseas.
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The Maldives - Sri Lanka ties prosper
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Mr Srimal Fernando, Global Editor, The Diplomatic Society (TDS) met with H.E Zahiya Zareer, High Commissioner of Maldives on 22nd June 2015 at the High Commission of the Maldives in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During the meeting discussions centred on matters of bilateral significance between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Zareer spoke about the current political situation in the Maldives as well as the developments in the areas of trade, investment and tourism. Other discussions included ways of sustaining and furthering co-operation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both countries. The Maldives and Sri Lanka continue to enjoy friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago.
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