Kofi Annan
11 March 2006
Tshwane - South African President Thabo Mbeki will host United Nations (UN)
Secretary-General Kofi and Mrs Annan for discussions at Tuynhuys in Cape Town,
South Africa on Tuesday, 14 March 2006. The Secretary-General is expected to
arrive in South Africa on Monday, 13 March 2006.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan is paying his first official visit to South
Africa since his assumption of the reins at the world body, which coincided
with the transition of South Africa from apartheid to peace, democracy and
justice in 1994.
The official visit is also taking place within the context of ongoing
consultations with Member-states regarding the proposed package of
comprehensive reform of the UN including the UN Security Council as well as
international finance institutions.
In this regard, President Thabo Mbeki will meet with the UN
Secretary-General within the context of South Africa's conviction that the
multilateral system of global governance remains our only hope in resolving
current challenges facing the international community.
During his visit, the Secretary-General will address the National Assembly,
during which he is expected to make a key statement on his tenure as
Secretary-General over the past ten years as well as looking ahead at the
challenges facing the multilateral system, including the United Nations.
South Africa is indeed honoured to host and to be associated with this
eminent and great son of Africa who has played a critical role in shaping
global affairs in ongoing efforts to create peace, stability, sustainable
development while pushing back the frontiers of poverty and
under-development.
We remember fondly that it is during his tenure that the world body endorsed
African efforts aimed at the political and economic reconstruction and
development of the continent with the adoption of NEPAD.
Secretary-General Annan will also have an opportunity to pay a courtesy call
on former President Nelson Mandela, visit the Hector Petersen Memorial in
Soweto and engage with organs of civil society while also interacting with
local United Nations personnel.
Secretary-General Annan will depart South Africa for Madagascar on 15 March
2006.
Enquires:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Media programme for incoming visit United Nations Secretary-General Kofi
Annan, Monday, 13 to Wednesday, 15 March 2006
Monday, 13 March 2006
08h00: Arrival of media for photo opportunity on arrival of United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan in South Africa
Venue: VIP Lounge (between Domestic and International Terminals)
Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town
(Please present press cards)
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
10h00: Arrival of media ahead of official welcoming ceremony in honour of
United Nations Secretary-General at Tuynhuys
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town
(Please present press cards)
(Media to arrive through visitors centre, 120 Plein Street)
11h00: Arrival of United Nations Secretary-General ahead of official arrival
ceremony to be received by President Thabo Mbeki
Media in attendance
11h20: Bilateral discussions between President Thabo Mbeki and United
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
11h30: Arrival of media ahead of joint press conference by President Thabo
Mbeki and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town
(Please present press cards)
(Media to arrive through visitors centre, 120 Plein Street)
12h30: Joint press conference
14h00: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to address Joint Sitting
of Parliament
19h00: Media arrive for photo opportunity ahead of official dinner hosted by
President Thabo Mbeki in honour of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi
Annan
19h30: Official dinner hosted by President Thabo Mbeki in honour of United
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Media in attendance for photo opportunity and toast remarks
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
11h00: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to pay courtesy call on
former President Nelson Mandela
12h20: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to visit the Hector
Petersen Memorial
For further information contact:
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
David Hlabane
Cell: 082 561 9428
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
11 March 2006
Source: SAPA
