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Connecting the Dreams of Youth
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By Sibusiso Reuben Bakana
As the Autumn season was approaching its end and the world is still finding its way out from the coronavirus, young people from 42 African states, side by side with their youth friends from China were gathered from 25-31 October 2020, in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Before the Chairperson of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Mr. Wang Jiarui, officially opened the ceremony at the China Soong Ling Science and Culture Centre for Young People, in Beijing, the Peace Angel Art Troupe a Chinese group sang Siyahamba ekukhanyeni beNkosi (in IsiZulu meaning we are marching in the light of God) in illustrating the culture to culture cooperation, one of the people to people’s mechanism.
The Head of the African Union Permanent Mission to China, Ambassador Rahamtalla M.Osman indicated that Africa-China friendship is constituted by elements such as cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and different experiences amongst young people.
CHARMING PROPERTIES FOR SALE
 
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Strong Partnership between France and SA Reaffirmed
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Photo: French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Mr. Franck Riester, met with South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr. Alvin Botes to discuss bilateral relations & shared commitment in favour of multilateralism.
French Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Mr Franck Riester, reaffirmed France’s commitment to stand by South Africa in these challenging times and to support mutual economic partnerships with South Africa during his official three-day visit.
Minister Riester was the first foreign minister to visit South Africa (2 to 4 November 2020) since the reopening of the borders.
As a key partner within the G20 and the United Nations, but also as chair of the African Union until January 2021, South Africa has been a key partner for France in the fight against the pandemic. This visit sends a strong message of support and solidarity to Africa, following the initiatives taken by President Emmanuel Macron and President Cyril Ramaphosa since the start of the crisis.
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A retrospective glance on Turkey’s strong bond with South Africa
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Photo: Mr Thulas Nxesi, South African Minister of Employment and Labour and Ambassador Elif Çomoglu Ülgen
by Elif Çomoglu Ülgen, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in South Africa
On its 97th anniversary, Turkish foreign policy confronts challenges that would have been quite unimaginable only 10 years ago. Yet we are excited to discover the true impact of the outreach of our interactions all across the world, with those who genuinely understand and empathize with Turkey, irrespective of the distances in geography.
This is exactly the kind of transformation that we are currently going through in our bilateral relations. Even when the pandemic made it seem like our diplomatic relations were losing ground, we realized that our worries and joys are one and the same. South Africa now has a clear understanding of Turkey’s reflexes about national security, justice and humanitarian affairs. We now have a much more profound understanding of each other’s priorities and goals, which has led us to establish a more meaningful dialogue. This has been exemplified on multiple occasions, with the measured attitude adopted by South Africa on issues concerning Turkey, ranging from Hagia Sophia to the Syrian refugees. South Africa remains aloof and distanced itself from attempts at smear campaigns against Turkey.
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Czechia’s National Day Celebration
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Two great statesmen: Late Czech President Václav Havel together with Late South African President Nelson Mandela, global symbols of Fight for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights
by H.E. Dr. Pavel Rezác, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in South Africa
Dear Readers, Compatriots, and Friends of the Czech Republic
Another year has passed marking already 102 years of Czech independence. Although this 28 October cannot be celebrated as it always deserves to be, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and ongoing cooperation which allows the relationship between our countries to grow from strength to strength.
Founding of Czechoslovakia, 28 October 1918, is indeed a very special day in our history as it represents the beginning of the new era of self-determination and freedom, which despite being tested by WWII and Communist domination, remain the core values of our democracy. Notwithstanding freedom may have many difficulties and democracy may not be perfect, the long walk to freedom which both our countries had to embark on, makes us appreciate and enjoy what our great statesmen such as Václav Havel and Nelson Mandela fought so hard for.
Given the global economy, every country, every household, and individual have been put through unimaginable challenges since the beginning of this year, please allow me to rather focus on positive aspects of the relationship between Czechia and South Africa.
The political relations between our countries have been traditionally more than friendly which can be seen through the close support of Czechia in South Africa’s fight for freedom and democracy as well as through a great number of mutual political and business delegations on a periodical basis, maintaining the strong and fruitful dialogue.
“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”
Václav Havel
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Austria National Day 2020
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Pictured are Dr. Johann Brieger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to South Africa and Mrs. Roswitha Brieger
The normal annual celebration of Austria’s National Day on 26 October could not take place this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr.Johann Brieger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to South Africa addressed Austrian citizens and friends of Austria remotely.
The Austrian Embassy, together with its EU partners, repatriated over 600 stranded Austrians, the biggest ever repatriation mounted by the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
Bilaterally Austria and South Africa have enjoyed a fantastic year which brought record bilateral trade volumes till the beginning of the year and Ambassador Brieger said that he is optimistic to build on that solid foundation for a rapid recovery and further expansion in the years to come.
Another success this year was the Austrian KTM team earning its first ever victory in the MotoGP race with South African rider Brad Binder.
(Listen to Ambassador Brieger’s full remarks here)
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European Film Festival 2020 goes virtual
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This year’s European Film Festival goes virtual with an excellent line-up of twelve brand new films, all of which are premiere screenings in South Africa. Of these eleven films are screened free of charge and one will collect a fee towards a worthy cause.
Emphasising her support for the festival’s continuity despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, EU Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Riina Kionka, said: “Twelve films in eleven days shows the determination of this European partnership to overcome difficult circumstances. Since my arrival in South Africa this is my second European Film Festival: I can tell you that it is a cultural highlight not to be missed. In addition, I invite you to participate in the various special events lined up during the Festival!
Look out for the full programme of screenings and special events on https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/
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