Ghana's independence celebrations
28 February 2007
Pretoria: President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will pay a working visit to Benin on Monday, 5 March
and proceed to Ghana on Tuesday, 6 March to attend the country's 50th
Independence celebrations.
Minister Dlamini Zuma will depart South Africa for Benin on Thursday, 1
March ahead of President Mbeki to oversee preparations for the visit of
President Mbeki to both Benin and Ghana.
In Benin, President Mbeki supported by Minister Dlamini Zuma, will hold
bilateral political and economic discussions with his counterpart President
Yayi Thomas Boni in Cotonou. In this regard, the two Presidents are expected to
discuss among others:
* closer co-operation between the two countries
* finalise draft agreements on Agriculture, Health, Trade and Investments,
Culture, Tourism, Minerals and Energy
* expansion of trade.
In Ghana, President Mbeki supported by Minister Dlamini Zuma will join a
number of African leaders in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Ghana's
independence scheduled for Accra on Tuesday, 6 March.
The independence of Ghana under the able leadership of the late Dr Kwame
Nkrumah gave impetus to liberation movements across the continent in efforts to
rid Africa of the scourge of racism, colonialism and oppression.
In this regard, it is expected Presidents of Botswana, Nigeria, Liberia,
Benin, Chairperson of the AU Commission among others including the Duke of Kent
will attend the celebrations.
President Mbeki and Minister Dlamini Zuma are expected to return to South
Africa on Wednesday, 7 March 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
28 February 2007
