South Africa, Venezuela in Strategic Partnership.

Thabo Mbeki, the South African president said the bilateral agreements signed between South Africa and Venezuela is real, actual and practical, after meeting with Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan President recently. ” They agreements that have been signed show that, indeed, the relationship has taken on a strategic character. We spoke of a strategic partnwership which means we will learn from each other. We will draw on each other’s strengths and weakness, and we will act in partnership to deal with a number of issues raised,” Mbeki said.

Mbeki said the discussions between him and his Venezuelan counterpart also looked beyond bilateral relations to the situation in South Africa, Africa and the world. Both presidents indicated that they were very pleased that South-south co-operation was receiving attention. ”The agreements we have  signed provide for the further detailing and discussion to expand cooperation in the field of oil and energy. One main purpose of the agreements is to cut out the intermediary. So you have direct state-to-state relations in the area. This will remove certain costs reducing the price . Somewhat,” Mbeki said.