Deputy President Jacob Zuma, who was in Stockholm this week to inaugurate the production line of the 28 Gripen fighter jets which are part of the multibillion rand arms deal, said the new fighter jets would provide the country with the capacity to fulfil its peace-keeping role.

Zuma also led a delegation of the South Africa-Sweden bi-national commission, which re solved that the two countries would establish a working group to facilitate the ex change of views and experience on conflict resolution.

He was escorted to the Swedish jet manufacturing plant by the first black pilot Major Musa Mbhokota, who is being trained to fly the new fighter jets.

Zuma said government, which has received criticism from opposition parties regarding the arms procurement, entered into the deal with full understanding of its implications.

Zuma said Sweden and SA shared a belief in the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

"We also believe strongly in multilateralism and the need to locate the resolution of international disputes within the framework of multilateral processes."

In a joint statement the two countries emphasised peaceful resolution of conflicts should be a prerequisite for sustainable development in Africa.

The SA delegation expressed concern about the situation in Zimbabwe but remained optimistic a solution was in the making. Sweden would support peace efforts.

With acknowledgements to Jimmy Seepe and the City Press.