with Iranian counterpart Alireza Sheykhattar
17 May 2006
Pretoria - South African Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe will hold
discussions with her Iranian counterpart Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza
Sheykhattar at the Diplomatic Guesthouse in Pretoria on Thursday, 18 May
2006.
Deputy Ministers van der Merwe and Sheykhattar will on conclusion of their
discussions open the first meeting of the Heads of Mission Working Group of the
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC).
Consultations between Deputy Ministers van der Merwe and Sheykhattar come
within the context of South Africa's priority to consolidate South-South
relations with a view to achieving the developmental agenda of the South in
general and Africa in particular.
During the sixth meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim
Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC) in Tehran, Iran, from 21 to 22
February 2006, the Council decided on recommendation of the Committee of Senior
Officials to set up a Working Group for member states consisting of Heads of
Diplomatic Missions based in Pretoria.
This Working Group will review the periodic work program presented by the
Chair of the Council and to fast track the work program of the IOR-ARC.
This first session of the Meeting of the Heads of Mission Working Group of
the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC) will focus
on the following issues:
* Follow up on the Council of Ministers Meeting and Senior Officials
committee held in Tehran;
* Review of Special Fund's draft;
* Voluntary contribution to the Special Fund;
* Discussions on the present status of Membership Contribution;
* Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum;
* Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group;
* 2007 Year of Tourism and
* celebrations of the Tenth Year and the Economic Summit.
Deputy Minister Sheykhattar will depart from South Africa on Friday, 19 May
2006.
Media Programme for incoming visit of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister
Alireza Sheykhattar
Thursday, 18 May 2006
07h30: Arrival of media ahead of photo opportunity between Deputy Ministers van
der Merwe and Sheykhattar on commencement of discussions
Venue: Diplomatic Guesthouse, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights,
Pretoria
(Please present press cards)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
08h00: Commencement of discussions between Deputy Ministers van der Merwe
and Sheykhattar
Photo opportunity
08h30: Arrival on media ahead of opening plenary of first Meeting of the
Heads of Mission Working Group of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional
Co-operation (IOR-ARC)
Venue: Diplomatic Guesthouse, 201 Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Heights,
Pretoria
(Please present press cards)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
09h00: Opening plenary of first Meeting of the Heads of Mission Working
Group of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation
(IOR-ARC)
Opening remarks by Deputy Ministers van der Merwe and Sheykhattar
Media in attendance for photo opportunity and introductory remarks
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 May 2006
Source: SAPA
