SAR ambassador: South Africa ready to encourage int'l efforts to produce lasting peace in South Caucasus

The South African Republic maintained the political and economic supremacy of the white minority for nearly half a century, with apartheid rule. According to Africans, this oppression was ended in 1994, after the intense struggle led by the legendary Nelson Mandela. It is no coincidence that SAR is one of the stable and developed countries of the African continent today.

An employee of Report's Ankara office met with SAR's non-resident ambassador to Azerbaijan Mrs. Dipuo Berta Letsatsi-Duba at the embassy's residence in Ankara and talked with her about the anniversary of state independence and SAR-Azerbaijan relations:

Madam Ambassador, South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom this is year. What can you say about the history and significance of this day?

This year South Africa’s Freedom Day is commemorated under the theme “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.

The date, 27 April 1994, marked our exodus as a nation from the dark and brutal system of apartheid into the new dawn - an ideal society that is built on the values of democracy, equality and respect for all.

As a people who were subjected to damnation merely due to our existence, we believe that our 30-year journey should serve as a reminder to the world about the importance of freedom and democracy.

How do you evaluate the political relationships between South Africa and Azerbaijan? What are the main directions of your activities in Azerbaijan as an ambassador?

With South Africa and Azerbaijan being members of the Non- Aligned Movement the G77 and China, signatories of the Paris Agreement and others, I see the political relationship between South Africa and Azerbaijan undergoing a natural progression; both countries have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and facilitate cooperation on multilateral issues on mutual interest.

My duties as the South African Ambassador accredited to Azerbaijan include supporting consultations towards the conclusion of draft agreements in key priority sectors, leading to the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation between Azerbaijan and South Africa.

Which areas can be prioritized for the development of relations between the two countries?

We are pursuing the conclusion of agreements in defence, tax air services and energy cooperation.

What can you say about cultural relationships between two countries? What plans do you have for the development of relations between peoples and cultures in the humanitarian field?

So far, our people engage in the field of sports, academia, medical tourism and other related fields. There is much room for expansion, as both countries are have rich cultures.

What products does South Africa mainly buy from Azerbaijan?

Petroleum oils, plants, seeds for perfumery, insulating fittings for electrical machines, footwear, etc.

What products does Azerbaijan mainly buy from South Africa?

South Africa’s major export products to Azerbaijan are: edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons; electrical machinery and equipment, sound recorders and reproducers, television; mechanical appliances, nuclear reactors, boilers; aircraft and spacecraft parts, miscellaneous edible preparations; inorganic chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals; optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical and surgical equipment.

By the way, you may probably have tasted Azerbaijani food. Which one did you like most? Generally, how did you like Azerbaijan, what impressions did you have?

Azerbaijani cuisine is one of the best I have tasted in the world thus far.

You probably have certain impressions about our country...

Azerbaijan is a very beautiful country; Baku, especially, is one of the cleanest cities. The combination of modern and ancient architecture gives the country a very unique landscape.

Is it expected to open direct flights between the two countries?

Our Embassy has over 300 visa applications per year from Azerbaijan in the fields of business, academia, tourism, sports, medicine, etc. The establishment of a direct may be eminent going forward.

You know that Azerbaijan liberated Karabakh in 2020 after nearly 30 years of occupation. Currently, extensive construction and restoration works are underway in that region. Companies from different countries participate in the process. Can South Africa be involved in the process in some way?

South Africa supports any efforts at advancing peace and justice; and in relation to the Nagorno-Karabath situation we continue to express our position in relevant multilateral fora.

South Africa welcomes the continuation of engagements between Azerbaijan and Armenia and hopes that such interventions would contribute to finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

South Africa is pleased to note the positive development on cessation of hostilities, although challenges remain, in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

South Africa will continue to monitor the situation and encourage international diplomatic efforts meant to produce lasting peaceful solutions.

Can your country open an embassy or consulate in Azerbaijan in the near future?

Azerbaijan has an Embassy in South Africa. It is South Africa’s intention to further strengthen our relations with Azerbaijan through the establishment of a diplomatic mission in the near future.

What high-level visits are expected in the near future?

South Africa and Azerbaijan have had Senior Officials Consultations and Deputy Ministerial level bilateral consultations in the past few years. South Africa attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, which need to be consolidated through a Joint Commission for Cooperation.