Middle East ____________ Strategic Plan - March 2004 Middle East ____________ SA is represented by 12 Missions in 9 Countries in the Middle East Primary strategic significance of the region emerges from its role as the repository of and conduit for the world’s largest oil reserves as well as sources of natural gas Region has great impact on international stability due to the Israeli/Arab Conflict US led war on Iraq Middle East Conflict remains a global concern. SA remains seized with the situation in the Middle East Strategic importance for South Africa Region provides approximately 80% of SA’s oil imports Market for SA’s industrial, commercial & agricultural products promising source of tourists, investment and technical co-operation Important constituency for the agenda of the South. Most countries in region - important players in forums of the South

Asia and Australasia _________________ Strategic Plan - March 2004 Asia and Australasia _________________ SA’s interaction with Asia and Australasia has increased markedly since 1994. Currently we have 16 resident Mission in 13 countries and territories Asia - comprises both developed and developing countries Strategic importance to SA trade Japan and the ASEAN Countries feature prominently as markets for SA industrial products Growing affluence in India and China - potential for exports of value added goods Discussions with India & China on FTA Africa-Asia co-operation/Support for NEPAD TICAD; China Africa Forum; India-Africa Fund. This co-operation is being synchronized with implementation of NEPAD South- South co-operation Asian-African Sub Regional Organisations Meeting (AASROC) Strong Asian membership in Developing country groupings - NAM, G77+China, G20+