President elect
28 May 2007
Pretoria: South African President Thabo Mbeki will on Tuesday, 29 May 2007
depart for Abuja, Nigeria where he is scheduled to attend the inauguration of
the Nigerian President-elect Umaru Yar'Adua scheduled for Tuesday, 29 May.
President Thabo Mbeki will attend the inauguration of President Yar'Adua
within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate political,
economic and trade relations with Nigeria as part of efforts aimed at the
consolidation of the African agenda.
Accordingly, President Mbeki in his congratulatory message to President
Yar'Adua expressed South Africa's intention to, "continue to forge closer
working relations between the two countries and to build a better Africa and
the world."
President Mbeki also, "assured Nigeria of South Africa's readiness to extend
a hand of solidarity with the people of Nigeria and wished the President
Yar'Adua well in his endeavours."
President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday, 30 May
2007 ahead of his bilateral discussions with British Prime Minister Tony Blair
scheduled for Friday, 1 June 2007 at the Union Buildings.
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
28 May 2007
