Bilateral Relations between South Africa and Turkey

History of Relations between SA and Turkey

Formal relations between South Africa and Turkey were established at consular level in 1991 and Consulates-General were opened in Johannesburg and Istanbul respectively. Both Consulates were closed following the upgrading of relations to Ambassadorial level in October 1992.  In addition to Turkey, the South African Embassy in Ankara is also accredited to the Central Asian states of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.  South Africa has appointed Honorary Consuls-General in Izmir and Istanbul as well as an Honorary Consul in Mersin.

Since the establishment of formal relations, bilateral trade between the two countries has increased considerably. Several bilateral agreements have been signed, and a number of agreements are currently being considered, which will further enhance relations between South Africa and Turkey.

Bilateral relations between the two countries were further enhanced by the visit of former Deputy President Zuma to Turkey in 2003. The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also paid a reciprocal visit to South Africa in 2005.

Turkish Airlines re-introduced three weekly direct flights between Istanbul and Johannesburg and Cape Town with effect from 17 September 2007.  Furthermore, both South African Airways and Turkish Airlines are now members of the STAR Alliance. This development will in no doubt contribute more positively to business and tourism linkages between the two countries.

Agreements

Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Turkey, the following bilateral agreements were signed:

• Agreement on the Establishment of Consular Relations
• Exchange of Notes to Establish Diplomatic Relations at the Ambassadorial Level
• Agreement on Air Transport
• Agreement Concerning the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments
• Agreement on Co-operation in the Field of Tourism
• Protocol on Political Consultations between Foreign Ministries
• Agreement on Co-operation in Education, Arts, Culture, Science, Technology, Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs
• Agreement on Police Co-operation
• Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement
• Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Mutual Assistance on Customs Agreement

High-level visits

Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the following high-level visits between the two countries took place:

To Turkey:

Mr Aziz Pahad, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs;

Former Deputy President Jacob Zuma;

Mr Lucas Radebe, Minister of Transport;

Mr Alec Erwin, Minister of Public Enterprises;

Mr Mosea Lekota, Minister of Defence;

Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa, Minister of Trade and Industry

To South Africa:

Prime Minister Recep Erdogan;

Mr Murad Bayar, Under-Secretary for Defence;

Dr Hilmi Guler, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources.