opening session
15 September 2006
Havana - South African President Thabo Mbeki will later today (15 September
2006) address the opening plenary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in
Havana, Cuba, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Group of 77 + China
(G-77 + China)
President Thabo Mbeki accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma landed in Havana last night (14 September 2006) from Brazil, where
President Mbeki led the South African delegation to the India-Brazil-SA (IBSA)
Heads of State and Government Summit held in Brasilia on Wednesday 13 September
2006.
President Mbeki will participate in the NAM Summit within the context of
South Africa's commitment to promote South-South co-operation through, among
others, the revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to effectively
position it to play a meaningful and strategic role in global affairs.
President Mbeki's delegation includes Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad and
Foreign Affairs Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba and senior government
officials.
Issues on the agenda of the NAM are likely to include, among others:
* poverty and under-development
* peace and security and
* restructuring of the global exercise of power
* middle East situation including Palestine and Israel
* situation in Iraq and Iran
* terrorism
* the comprehensive reform of the United Nations system
* and progress towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals
At the end of the NAM Summit scheduled for 17 September 2006, both President
Mbeki and Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will proceed to New York,
USA, for the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for
18-20 September 2006.
Enquires:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 September 2006
