22 May 2007
Pretoria: South African President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister
of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, are expected to depart South
Africa on Wednesday, 23 May for Hanoi for the first ever state visit to Vietnam
by a South African Head of State.
Minister Dlamini Zuma concluded her official visit to China on Monday, 21
May where she held bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with her
Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, and is expected to depart for Hanoi today,
Tuesday, 22 May.
President Mbeki's visit comes within the context of South Africa's
commitment to strengthening political, economic and trade relations with
Vietnam within the broad framework of consolidating South-South relations.
In Vietnam President Mbeki is expected among others to hold bilateral
discussions with his counterpart President Minh Triet on:
* a review of bilateral political, economic and trade relations
* support for Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
(AsgiSA) and Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (Jipsa)
* political briefings on African and Middle East devlopments
* global challenges including global political governance.
There exists a large potential for economic relations especially for the
private sector to take up business opportunities in Vietnam. There are many
long term and investment opportunities for South African companies in
Vietnam.
In addition President Mbeki and his delegation are expected to meet with the
revered General Jiap; address the South Africa-Vietnam Business Forum; address
the Vietnamese Institute of International Relations; visit the Temple of
Literature and the Reunification Palace and War Museum.
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
22 May 2007
