Heiligendamm
8 June 2007
Berlin -Today, Friday 8 June 2007, 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.
Among 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, energy and
the environment, migration and South-South Co-operation. A strong emphasis was
placed by the leaders that participation at the G8 Summit should not be
seen as a substitute or weakening of the system of multilateralism.
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.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
