8 June 2007
Berlin: President Thabo Mbeki supported by the South African High
Representative to the G8 Summit, Advocate Mojanku Gumbi departed Berlin for
Heiligendamm to participate in the Working Sessions of both the Africa Outreach
Partners and the Working Session of the G8 leaders and heads of international
organisations.
South Africa's participation at the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm comes within
the context of our country's commitment to promote North-South co-operation in
support of the African Agenda.
Bilateral consultations with President Mbeki have also been scheduled today
with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Romano Prodi, Prime Minister of Canada, Mr
Stephen Harper, the German Chancellor, Dr Angela Merkel and the Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh.
Yesterday, upon arrival in Berlin, President Mbeki supported by Ministers
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Mandisi Mpahlwa held bilateral consultations with
the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, Chinese President Hu
Jintao and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi ahead of the Five
Outreach Partners meeting.
Amongst issues discussed during the bilaterals were the situation on the
African continent, with regards to peace and security, matters pertaining to
the United Nations, trade and the New Partnership for Africa's Development
(Nepad).
Upon conclusion of these bilaterals, President Mbeki informed by the need to
strengthen South-South Co-operation also participated in the Plus Five Outreach
Partners Meeting which was chaired by the President of Mexico, Mr Felipe
Calderon Hinojosa. Other countries represented in the Meeting of the Heads of
State and Government included President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil, Chinese
President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh and President Thabo
Mbeki of South Africa.
During the meeting, the leaders noted opportunities for joint collaboration
in the fields of cross-border investment, research and innovation, climate
change, energy and development. Views were also exchanged on topics of
relevance to developing countries such as global governance, international
trade, bio- fuels, migration and South-South Co-operation. This meeting was
followed by the Working Dinner of the Africa Outreach countries.
President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Saturday, 9 June
2007 ahead of the visit of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Joseph
Kabila.
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department Of Foreign Affairs
8 June 2007
Source: SAPA
