Category: Uncategorized

17 August

Gabon Independence Day is celebrated on August 17 annually. Gabon Independence Day is marks the establishment of an independent country when, after more than a century, Gabon claimed its liberation from France.

On this day, locals hold festivities, concerts, parades, and firework displays as a reminder of this freedom. It’s also a day to educate the younger generation and pass on the rich history of their country to make the feeling of freedom come alive. To pay respect to their country’s Independence Day commemoration, all the commercial and administrative establishments are kept shut.

The Portuguese, led by their navigator, Diego Cam, were the first European settlers in Gabon, arriving in 1472. They named the place ‘Gabon’ after the Portuguese term ‘Gabão’ which means ‘cloak.’ Interestingly, the opening of the Como River was also called ‘Rio do Gabao’ or simply ‘Gabao.’ The Portuguese established sugar plantations and developed trade on the mainland. Their trade thrived and spread to most European nations. By the late 1500s, the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish competitors also started trading alcohol, cloth, firearms, and iron goods for ivory, hardwood, and slaves. This slave trade caught the attention of the French colonists, which ultimately became the catalyst for their century-long rule in Gabon.

In 1839, the local ruler in Gabon signed the sovereignty away and granted permission to France to rule the nation. In 1875, a French explorer named Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza started his expedition to Gabon, and in the meantime, he also founded Franceville, one of the largest cities in the country. Gabon officially became a French colony in 1885, and finally one of the four colonies in French Equatorial Africa in 1910.

The French rule faced minor resistance from the citizens of Gabon. However, the forced labor and labor taxes for public health led to considerable interference from the public. Years later, an elite group was formed to promote a ‘pro-French’ but ‘anti-colonialist’ movement. The members of this group went on to become politicians during the Fourth French Republic from 1946 to 1958 when Gabon became an overseas territory of France, but with its own representation and assembly. In 1958, Gabon became an autonomous republic of France. Finally, on August 17, 1960, after a series of multiple cooperation agreements, Gabon was granted complete independence and sovereignty.

South Africa established full diplomatic relations with the Republic of Gabon on 15 October 1992.

During 2020, South Africa had a large net trade with Gabon in the exports of Transportation ($9.76M), Machines ($7.62M), and Foodstuffs ($3.72M). During 2020, Gabon had a large net trade with South Africa in the exports of Wood Products ($2.71M), Vegetable Products ($112k), and Transportation ($9.07k).

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine wishes to congratulate the Government and the people of Gabon on the occasion of the anniversary of the independence day.

We sincerely wish the Government & the people of Gabon continued unity, peace and increased prosperity.

17 August 2022

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine wishes to congratulate the Government and the people of Indonesia on the occasion of the anniversary of the independence day.

We sincerely wish the Government & the people of Indonesia continued unity, peace and increased prosperity.

17th August is Indonesia’s national day and marks Indonesia’s declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945.

Indonesia had been a Dutch colony for over 300 years when a group of revolutionaries declared independence on 17 August 1945.

It took Indonesians four years of diplomacy and armed struggle before their independence was formally granted by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.

Despite the granting of independence in 1945, it wasn’t until 2005, that the Netherlands declared that they had decided to accept the date of 17 August 1945 as the date of Indonesia’s independence.

Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 beautiful islands. It is the world’s fourth most populous country. More than half of Indonesia’s population live on Java, making it the world’s most populous island.

Indonesia and South Africa established diplomatic relations in August 1994. The South African Embassy in Jakarta was established in January 1995, and Indonesia opened its embassy in Pretoria in 1995. Both nations are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and G-20 major economies. In 2012, during a briefing on Foreign Policy initiatives for 2012, Indonesia named South Africa amongst its 14 strategic partners.

Political relations

SA-Indonesia relations go back more than 350 years – when the first people of Indonesian descent arrived in the Cape in the mid-1600s. Starting with the Bandung Conference of 1955 (which was attended, on behalf of the ANC by Moses Kotane and Maulvi Cachalia), Indonesia became one of the fiercest critics of apartheid and supported the anti-apartheid struggle throughout.

Efforts to rekindle the spirit of Bandung through enhancing cooperation between the countries of Asia and Africa were jointly initiated in 2002 and Indonesia and South Africa hosted the first Asian-African Sub-Regional Organizations Conference (AASROC I) and the second AASROC (AASROC II) respectively in Bandung, Indonesia in 2003 and in Durban, South Africa in 2004.

These events were important milestones in preparation for the Asian-African Summit in Indonesia in 2005, which was held in conjunction with the commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the 1955 Asian-African Conference. In 1995, the New Asia Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP) was established with SA and Indonesia as the co-chairs.

Deputy President Cyril Ramophosa represented President Jacob Zuma; during the 60th Anniversary of the Asia Africa Bandung Conference with the theme “Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity” & the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership Summit Meeting respectively held in Jakarta and Bandung from 19 – 24 April 2015.

Furthermore; the Indonesian Government; through the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (locally referred to as KADIN) hosted the first Asia – Africa Business Summit on 21 April 2015 with the theme of “Realization of Asia-Africa Partnership for Progress and Prosperity”. Deputy President Cyril Ramophosa addressed the Asia – Africa Business Summit which culminated on the decision for the formation of the Asia – Africa Business Council.

INDONESIA-SOUTH AFRICA

In 2020, Indonesia exported $625M to South Africa. The main products that Indonesia exported to South Africa are Palm Oil ($207M), Cars ($34.2M), and Coconut Oil ($26.1M). During the last 25 years the exports of Indonesia to South Africa have increased at an annualized rate of 7.14%, from $111M in 1995 to $625M in 2020.

SOUTH AFRICA-INDONESIA

In 2020, South Africa exported $531M to Indonesia . The main products that South Africa exported to Indonesia were Ferroalloys ($277M), Dissolving Grades Chemical Woodpulp ($85.6M), and Chromium Ore ($55.9M). During the last 25 years the exports of South Africa to Indonesia have increased at an annualized rate of 5.01%, from $156M in 1995 to $531M in 2020.

COMPARISON

In 2020, Indonesia ranked 64 in the Economic Complexity Index (ECI -0.093), and 28 in total exports ($178B). That same year, South Africa ranked 54 in the Economic Complexity Index (ECI 0.086), and 36 in total exports ($102B).

16 August 2022

– Area of Africa = 30.37 million

square kilometres

– Area of China = 9.6 million

square kilometres

– Area of the United States = 9.8 million

square kilometres

– Area of Europe = 10.18 million

square kilometres

– Africa is larger than all of Europe

Europe, China and the United States combined.

– But in most world maps, Africa is

maps, Africa is shown in a reduced

reduced in size.

This is done on purpose to create the visual impact

visual impact of small Africa to manipulate

Africans and brainwash them and

wherever they are.

Africa has 60% of the land that is

good for agriculture

Africa has 90% of the world’s raw

raw materials;

– Africa has 40% of the world’s gold reserves.

Africa has 33% of the world’s diamond reserves.

– Africa has 33% of the world’s diamond reserves.

– Africa has 80% of the world’s

reserves of coltan (metal for the production

production of telephones and

electronics), mainly in the Democratic

Democratic Republic of Congo.

– Africa has 60% of the world’s

of the world’s cobalt (a metal used in the

car batteries)

– Africa is rich in oil and natural gas.

natural gas.

– Africa (Namibia) has the richest fishing beaches

the richest fishing beaches in the world.

– Africa is rich in manganese, iron and

timber.

– Africa’s space is three times the size of China’s

of China, three times that of Europe and three times

three times that of the United States.

– Africa’s surface area is thirty

million square kilometres (30,875,415 square

square kilometres);

– The population of Africa is 1.3 billion NIS (the population of China).

billion NIS (China’s population is 1.4 billion

1.4 billion NEIS with an area of over 9.6 million

area of over 9.6 million square kilometres.

This means that Africa is uninhabited.

-The agricultural land in the Democratic Republic

Republic of Congo is capable of feeding

feed all of Africa.

And all the farmland in Africa

is a string to feed the world.

world.

– The Democratic Congo has important rivers

that can light up Africa.

The problem is that Westerners, their corporations

companies and some African puppets

African puppets have been disrupting the stability of

Africa for decades.

– Africa is a culturally diverse continent

diverse in terms of dance, music

architecture, sculpture, etc.

Africa is home to 30,000 prescriptions and

herbs modified by the West in its

the West in its laboratory.

– The global youth population in

Africa is expected to reach 2.5 billion by

2050.

16 August 2022

His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, has conveyed his congratulations to Dr William Samoei Ruto for his victory in the elections of 9 August 2022 to become the next President of Kenya.

These elections marked the third General and the fourth Presidential election held in Kenya since the 2010 constitutional referendum.

Besides electing a new President, the electorate also voted for members of parliament, senators, county governors and county assembly members.

All relevant stakeholders, in particular the electorate, are commended for the peaceful and determined manner in which they expressed their democratic rights through participation in these elections.

The successful preparations and conclusion of Kenya’s General Elections is another sterling contribution to the consolidation of democracy in the Region and on our Continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa further wished good health to President-elect Ruto and looks forward to working with his new Government to strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Kenya.

South Africa enjoys historic and excellent relations with the Republic of Kenya, not only bilaterally, but also on continental and multilateral issues.

16 August 2022

High Commission of India, Pretoria hosted a reception to celebrate the 76th Independence day at Shereton Pretoria hotel on 15 August, 2022. The event was attended by many senior South African Government dignitaries & members of Indian diaspora. H.E. Mr. Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sports, Art and Culture was the chief guest.

He highlighted strong historical bilateral relations and spoke about exploring more avenues of bilateral cooperation. High Commissioner Shri Jaideep Sarkar speaking on this occasion recalled the close collaboration between India and South Africa.

He mentioned that both countries could further enhance their partnership in IT,youth development,sports.

The guests were welcomed in traditional Indian way by folk dance from Malayalee Associaion of Pretoria and Rajasthan Associantion of South Africa (RASA).

#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav

#HarGharTiranga

16 August 2022

On the 11th of August, the Stellenbosch University Japan Centre was launched.

This new centre will serve as a leading hub for academic, research, and cultural exchange between South Africa and Japan.

As part of the opening ceremony, Ambassador Maruyama congratulated the Centre on its launch and stated that it would be devoted to a wide range of activities including business, science, and technology fields.

In celebration of this event, Ambassador Maruyama also gave a lecture at the centre’s first seminar focused on the partnership between South Africa and Japan in various aspects.

We wish the new centre great success and look forward to continuing to work together

SUJC website: https://www0.sun.ac.za/japancentre/

16 August 2022

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred in #Giza, where a fire claimed the lives of dozens of adults and children gathered in the Abu Sifin church

Our deepest condolences to the Government, the people and the families who lost loved ones in a Coptic Orthodox Church Fire in Egypt.

May their souls Rest in Peace! Wishing speedy recovery to all injured.

At least about 41 people died on Sunday in a fire that broke out in a church in Imbaba in the Giza district, Southwest of Cairo, the country’s capital. According to the authorities, 12 more people were injured in the incident.

The president of Egypt, Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, ordered all state agencies and institutions to  to deal with the incident.”

Copts are the largest Christian community in the Middle East, accounting for at least 10 million of Egypt’s 103 million people.

“The sources of the Ministry of Health said that the dead reached 41 so far, while the injured are 14 people,” the Coptic Church said in a statement posted on its official Facebook account.

For its part, the Ministry of Health had reported the transfer of 55 people after the fire in the Church of Abu Sefein “while the deaths were being counted.”

#Giza

15 August 2022

Newly appointed High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Namibia, Her Excellency Thenjiwe Ethel Mtintso, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation on Monday 15 August 2022.

The meeting was held in a sprit of cordiality reflective of the excellent brotherly relations between the two countries and covered a broad range of issues pertaining to bilateral relations and cooperation.

Both sides expressed happiness at the excellent state of relations and agreed on the need to further strengthen the relations particularly on economic cooperation.

Amb. Naanda conveyed congratulations on High Commissioner Mtintso and wished her well in her new assignment as South Africa’s High Commissioner to Namibia

15 August 2022

Celebrating Liechtenstein’s National Day on August 15, The Diplomatic Informer Magazine wishes to congratulate the Government and the people of Liechtenstein on the occasion of anniversary of the independence day.

We sincerely wish the Government & the people of  Liechtenstein continued unity, peace and increased prosperity.

On 5 August 1940 the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein officially declared August 15 to be the country’s national holiday. Just ten days later it was celebrated for the first time.

There were two reasons for choosing the date. Firstly, it was already a bank holiday. The Assumption of Mary is celebrated on August 15. Secondly, the ruling Prince at the time, Prince Franz Josef II, was born on August 16. Therefore, Liechtenstein’s national holiday was created by combining the Feast of the Assumption and the Prince’s birthday.

After the death of Prince Franz Josef II in 1989 it was decided to keep the national holiday on the same day. In 1990 a law was passed establishing August 15 as the official national holiday of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The country that lies in the European Alps, between Austria and Switzerland, was liberated from German rule on August 15, 1866.

Liechtenstein is a German-speaking, 25km-long principality between Austria and Switzerland. It’s known for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes and villages linked by a network of trails.

The capital, Vaduz, a cultural and financial center, is home to Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, with galleries of modern and contemporary art.

15 August 2022

The Diplomatic Informer Magazine wishes to congratulate the Government and the people of Congo on the occasion of anniversary of the independence day.

We sincerely wish the Government & the people of Congo continued unity, peace and increased prosperity.

August 15, 1960, marked Independence Day for Congo. The people of the country every year celebrate August 15 as the Congo National Day. It was on this day Congo gained complete independence from France, ending 80 years of French colonial rule.

Independence Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Congo on August 15th each year.
The Republic of Congo got its freedom from France. The French Congo occupied the largest city of Congo, Brazzaville on 10 September 1880. The French formally established themselves in Congo on 30 November 1882.

Abbé Fulbert Youlou, a laicized Brazzaville-Congolese Roman Catholic priest, became the first President of the Republic of the Congo on its independence. He resigned on 15 August 1963 after an uprising.

Abbé Fulbert Youlou imposed a single party system and imprisoned union leaders in August 1963. He had to resign following opposition in the governance in 1964. However, after many changes, the sovereign state has had multi-party elections since 1992. A democratically elected government was ousted in 1997 after a Civil War. Currently, there is a Unitary semi-presidential republic in Congo.

Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Congo were formalized in 1993. During that year the South African Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo then Zaire was accredited to this country.

South Africa and Congo Relations

South African opened a Residential Diplomatic Mission in Brazzaville in July 2005. Ever since then Diplomatic, economic and commercial relations between South Africa and Congo-Brazzaville have been growing steadily.
The South African Mission in Congo Brazzaville is committed to strengthen and solidify these existing bilateral relations for the benefit of the people of both countries.

The President of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, in his role as – Chairman of the African Union, pledged to improve the infrastructure in the African continent, and also encourage African countries to increase trade among them.

Both President – Ramaphosa and President Denis Sassou Nguesso who was also the chairman of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya committed to “Silence The Guns” by 2020, in line with the African Union theme for 2020,  committed to stop all forms of armed conflicts in Africa.

Trade Info

Congo Brazzaville has many investment opportunities, among others in the oil, mining, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism sectors. As the third largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, Congo is inviting businesspeople to explore investment opportunities in the country.

On the other hand, South Africa is a country of vast opportunities and a highly developed country in Africa. South Africa is rich in mineral resources, manufacturing ability, agriculture and advanced financial systems to mention a few. South Africa is also a perfect investment and tourism destination.

MTN: telecommunications; South African Farmers – Congo Agriculture and Agri-SA, Todi River Farmers and Van Doorns Agri SA; African Park and Wilderness Safaris; New African Global Energy (New Age); RRL Grindrod. Airlink (Pty) Limited is currently in the process to get authorisation to resume its services (i.e.to fly) to Libreville, Gabon via Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

South Africa Exports to Congo

South Africa Exports to Congo was US$781.17 Million during 2020, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. South Africa Exports to Congo – data, historical chart and statistics – was last updated on August of 2022.