Programme Director and Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize,

Premier of Gauteng, Nomvula Mokonyane,

Minister of Economic Development, Mr Ebrahim Patel,

Minister of the Economy of the Republic of Turkey, Mr Zafer Caglayan,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

President of TUSKON, Riza Nur Meral and esteemed business leaders from Turkey,

Mr Mustafa Eriglou and all members of the South African-Turkish Business Association,

Leaders of the Muslim community in South Africa

Distinguished guests,

 

Good morning. As-Salamu Alaykum – peace and blessings be upon you all.

 

It gives me great pleasure to be part of this important occasion which marks the official opening of the Nizamiye Complex.

We would like to give a warm South African welcome to all Turkish government officials and members of the business community who have travelled all the way from Turkey to join us here this morning.

 

Yesterday, we officially welcomed the new Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Kaan Esener, during the presentation of credentials ceremony. We look forward to working together to continue deepening our bilateral relations. 

Today we celebrate the relations further with the opening of this complex, which is another key milestone in strengthening political, religious and economic bilateral relations between South Africa and Turkey. 

 

We are truly honoured that members of the Turkish business community have chosen South Africa as the home of this historic Nizamiye Complex, and as an investment destination.

We also value the cooperation between South Africa and Turkey highly as it is not only limited to economic aspects only, but also embraces social, religious and cultural relations between our people.

The Nizamiye mosque will help to further promote greater understanding and tolerance between diverse religions. Our country is one of the most pluralistic nations of the world.

 

It is composed of diverse ethnic, cultural linguistic and religious populations.  Our Constitution promotes the harmonious coexistence of diverse religions within a framework of shared citizenship. 

The opening of the Nizamiye Mosque will therefore complement our efforts to advance the values of religious tolerance and the preservation of religious harmony as espoused by the Constitution. 

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

Let me also point out that we appreciate the support of Turkey in the work that we are doing in advancing our national priorities in the areas of education, health and job creation.

The opening of this complex along with the health clinic and the school takes on special distinction for our country because of the very value we attach to these issues.

 

Most importantly ladies and gentlemen, we are happy about this development because it builds on the productive diplomatic relations South Africa and Turkey have had for over two decades.

Since the establishment of formal relations between Turkey and South Africa in 1991, bilateral economic relations continue to grow considerably.

The high point of the relations between South Africa and Turkey was the signing of the Bi-National Commission in June this year, during the visit of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to the Republic of Turkey.

 

On the other hand, economic relations between our two countries are governed by the South Africa-Turkey Joint Economic Committee (JEC) signed in 2005.

The primary objective of the JEC is to promote and deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between our countries.

In an effort to encourage trade and commercial cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Foreign Economic Relations Board from Turkey and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) in 2010.

 

The second session of SA-Turkey JEC held in February this year stressed the importance establishing of a Joint Business Council.

Already, we see progress in economic relations. Total trade between South Africa and Turkey amounted to more than 7 billion rand in 2011, an increase of 44% compared to 2010.

South African exports to Turkey increased by 20% in 2011 to reach 3, 5 billion rand, whilst South African imports from Turkey in 2011 increased by 78% to reach 3, 6 billion rand.

 

In 2011, Turkish investment stock into South Africa amounted to more than 2, 4 billion rand. Turkey’s investments in sectors that could contribute significantly to job creation are mainly textiles, coal mining, construction and the services sectors.

To date, there are 12 signed Bilateral Agreements and 50 Turkish registered businesses in South Africa, while 28 South African businesses operate in Turkey.

 

All this indicates signs of further growth in the relations between South Africa and Turkey.

We look forward to continuing growth in economic relations, especially in fields such as education, mineral beneficiation, tourism, commerce and the defence industry.

With regards to trade, the inclusion of products such as vehicles and automotive components in the basket of traded goods is a positive signal of things to come.

 

In this regard, several areas promise exceptional returns for those businesses that are willing to take the initiatives.

These include mining, capital equipment, defence, aerospace, infrastructure, autos and components, agro-processing and ICT, to name a few.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

Let me also emphasise that for our part, we have identified our massive infrastructure build programme as key to our economic growth. The programme is open to mutually beneficial partnerships.

It sets out a 20-year project pipeline with seventeen Strategic Infrastructure Projects containing road, rail, port, water, sanitation, energy, and communication as well as health infrastructure.

 

A second project focuses on the integrated urban space and public transport.

It will bring together the 12 largest urban areas with the view to promote better urban planning and public transport systems. A third project is the Saldanha and Northern Cape Development Corridor across two provinces.

 

The project will incorporate mining, industrial and energy projects.

The fourth project concerns integrated municipal infrastructure projects and covers 23 district municipalities that have been prioritised for attention due to the high levels of poverty and underdevelopment.

The tourist sector also offers vast potential for development between the two countries.

The fact that Turkish Airlines operates direct flights between the countries will further enhance economic and tourism development.

 

Indeed we have full confidence in South Africa-Turkey business cooperation. I am sure that the future holds ever greater promise for our economic ties.

In November this year, South Africa will send a business delegation to Istanbul and Izmir to further broaden our economic ties.

 

Beyond the economy, South Africa and Turkey also have strong, shared interests and common views on many regional and global issues.

Like South Africa, Turkey is a member of the G20. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2009 and 2010, Turkey has been one of the prominent voices for the African continent.

 

Like South Africa, Turkey supports the restructuring of the United Nations Security Council.

We also welcome and appreciate the role that Turkey continues to play in the advancement of the African Agenda since the declaration of strategic partnership during the 10th African Union Summit in 2008.

 

Esteemed members of the Turkish business community,

South Africa attaches great importance to close and cordial relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries and peoples.

 

Guided by the principle of sincere friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development, South Africa  will continue to work with Turkey to grow even closer economic and trade relations.

Congratulations to the Turkish community for the establishment of the Nizamiye Complex which will certainly deepen our business, religious and cultural ties.

 

I wish you a successful venture in your efforts at the Nizamiye Complex.

I thank you.