Africa, Caribbean to strengthen ties says PM
published: Thursday | March 17, 2005

RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (right), South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister, jokes with Senator Delano Franklyn (centre), State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Patrick Mazimhaka, Deputy Chairperson of African Union. They were at yesterday's opening of the inaugural South African Union/Caribbean Diaspora Conference at Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson yesterday called for the celebration of the strong historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean, to build on the existing framework and enhance the relationship.

Delivering the keynote address on day one of the inaugural two-day South African Union, Caribbean Diaspora Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, Mr. Patterson said the root of this relationship evolved from the shared historical experience of slavery and colonial exploitation.

"This conference provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships between African countries and those of the Diaspora," he said. "This event also highlights the need for continued pursuit of a united position for the social and economic empowerment of Africa and the Diaspora."

In his opening remarks, Foreign Affairs Minister K.D. Knight said the conference would not only provide a platform for reflection on the historic solidarity between the people of Africa and the Caribbean, but will also strengthen the resolve of Africans everywhere to confront the plight of the continent and the Diaspora.

TITANIC STRUGGLES

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister, said the ongoing conference was one way of fighting the "titanic struggle for peace, security, democracy" and against "underdevelopment and poverty".

She also thanked the Caribbean for standing by the disadvantaged in Africa during the apartheid years.

Speaking at the same conference, Patrick Mazimhaka, deputy chairperson of the Commission of African Union, , said the event was a step further in deepening co-operation and unity between Africa and the Caribbean, to generate dialogue on the rich and common history of both regions.