A CEREMONIAL guard, a band and a 21-gun salute welcomed the king and queen of Norway to the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday for talks which President said showed SA and Norway were committed to co-operation.
Zuma said that through the signing of several bilateral agreements they were enhancing the already “excellent” relationship between the two countries.
Norway’s King Harald, who with his wife, Queen Sonja, is on a three- day state visit to SA, discussed increased co-operation between Norway and SA in trade, energy and the reduction of carbon emissions.
“Energy is a new and important area of common engagement ... interest in Norway for SA — not only politically but for business — is great,” the king said.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by CE Pat Davies and Bjorn-Erik Haugan, CEO of state-owned Gassnova, which will enable Sasol to explore participation in a European CO² -capturing initiative being constructed in Norway.
Norwegian businesses have expressed an interest in SA, with King Harald saying that about 100 business people had flown to SA to assess investment opportunities.
The Presidency said Norwegian companies were planning to expand their operations in SA through increased investment and support for small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Through a matchmaking programme, Norwegians were reportedly willing to assist South African SMMEs with viable business plans in joint venture operations.
Zuma urged co-operation between the countries in response to climate change in the run-up to the COP15 conference being held in Copenhagen next month.
Asked to clarify SA’s approach to the conference, Zuma said: “We are going to Copenhagen … there has been quite an exciting exchange (between developed and developing countries).
“We are happy ... that generally the entire globe is looking at one direction now,” he said.
After the media briefing, the Norwegian royals visited the University of Pretoria and the Freedom Park memorial. With Sapa