South Africa
30th November 2007
Dr. Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had recently with the South African High Commissioner on strengthening commercial, cultural and educational links between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of South Africa; and if she will make a statement. [105947]
Mr. McCartney: Commerce, culture and education were themes covered during the 7th UK-South Africa Bilateral Forum, chaired by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in May this year. During the Bilateral Forum, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the South African Minister for Arts and Culture also signed the UK-South Africa Film Co-production treaty.
There are regular ministerial visits to and from South Africa, in which our strong bilateral co-operation in the fields of commerce, culture and education are discussed. My department maintains a regular dialogue with the South African High Commission in London.
