29 October 2007
Pretoria: South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister of
Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will depart for Windhoek on Tuesday,
30 October, to pay a two-day state visit to Namibia scheduled from Tuesday to
Wednesday, 30 to 31 October 2007.
In announcing the visit, Minister Dlamini Zuma said President Thabo Mbeki
and delegation will visit Namibia within the context of South Africa's priority
to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Namibia
as part of efforts to consolidate the African Agenda.
According to Minister Dlamini Zuma, President Mbeki will, during his state
visit to Namibia, hold bilateral political and economic discussions with
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba to discuss among others:
* a review of the status of bilateral political, economic and trade
relations between the two countries
* a review of political, social and economic developments in the region
and
* the forthcoming Africa-European Union Summit to be hosted by Portugal at the
end of the year.
While in Namibia, President Mbeki will also co-chair alongside President
Pohamba the South Africa Namibia Investor Conference aimed at:
* stimulating domestic investment and attract foreign investment
* showcasing investment projects in Namibia
* promoting and encouraging regional integration and economic development
and
* facilitating an increase in trade between Namibia and other economic regions
globally.
The Investors Conference has attracted a lot of interest, not only from
South Africa but from several other countries. So far 613 participants from 189
countries have registered for the Conference. Accordingly, it is expected that
an Agreement regarding the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments
will be signed during the State Visit. President Mbeki will also have an
opportunity to address a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament and lay
a wreath at the Hero's Acre.
President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday, 31
October 2007.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
29 October 2007
Source: SAPA
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