Germany has dedicated €75-million to develop renewable energy and energy generation in South Africa, Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Dirk Niebelsaid on Friday.
Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria after the Sixth Session of the South Africa-Germany Binational Commission, Niebel said the development policy was to become more “effective and more visible”.
“It will not only be reflective in the development fund of €112,5-million, but also reflective with the €75-million put aside to enhance energy supply and facilitate growth and poverty,” he said.
Germany’s development policy endeavours to improve living conditions in partner countries.
As South Africa was largely dependent on coal for energy, Niebel said the advancement of renewable energy was “a step forward”.
Regarding the World Cup, Niebel said they were confident that South Africa would host a successful event and he hoped it would foster strong race relations.
The binational commission was chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor Guilo Westerwelle and involved an “extensive” exchange of views on a range of bilateral and international issues.
Westerwelle said South Africa and Germany were “partners with common value”, and expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality.
“We are partners in a strategic nature and we want to intensify that not only for the interest of the countries, but also for the interest of the people.”
Motlanthe highlighted the importance of bilateral relations, saying both countries shared common democratic values like respect for human rights and social justice.
The two countries were advancing in the fields of investment and youth exchange programmes. Motlanthe also expressed his gratitude for Germany’s support in assisting the country in its preparation for the World Cup, brushing off concerns over security.
“It’s all systems go. It is my wish that South Africa meets Germany in the finals, Miracles never cease to exist,” exclaimed Motlanthe.
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