SA, Sweden strengthen ties

Pretoria - New co-operation avenues are being explored to deepen trade relations between South Africa and Sweden, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Friday.

Collaboration in the maritime sector and science, among others, could benefit both nations, Motlanthe told a binational commission at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

"The commission’s political and economic working groups have identified key areas for further co-operation," he said.

"Their reports will direct the path for our future co-operation especially in the fields of trade and investment, ICT, energy, science and technology, skills development, and in maritime."

The Swedish delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Jan Bjorklund is in the country for the eighth binational commission.

The previous meeting took place in Stockholm in 2011.