International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has today, 1 December 2013, returned from a working visit to Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Minister was in Goma on behalf of H.E President Jacob Zuma to deliver a special message to H.E President Joseph Kabila Kabange and to renew ties with the Government of the DRC.
During her meeting with President Kabila Kabange, the Minister reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to the consolidation of peace in the Great Lakes Region. Both sides updated each other on developments in the region since the Joint SADC and Conference on the Great Lakes Region Summit was held in Pretoria during October 2013.
President Kabila thanked South Africa for its contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and especially the Intervention Brigade, who played a pivotal role in defeating the M23 and bringing peace to the Eastern DRC. The Intervention Brigade comprises Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania.
Whilst in Goma, the Minister visited the South African Defence Force soldiers serving in MONUSCO and also travelled to Sake Base to meet with the South African Intervention Brigade Battallion.
In her address to the South African National Defence Force soldiers stationed in Goma and at Sake Base, the Minister stated that South Africa was proud of their dedication to peace and democracy on the Continent. "South Africa is an integral part of Africa and will therefore continue to contribute to peace in the region that is sustainable", said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
