10 September 2006
South African President Thabo Mbeki will visit the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) on Monday, 11 September 2006, to hold bilateral discussions with
his Congolese counterpart President Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa.
President Mbekiâs discussions with his counterpart President Kabila come
within the context of South Africaâs commitment to consolidate the African
agenda through, among others, the promotion of post-conflict reconstruction and
development within Africa.
In this regard, the visit follows the successful first round of democratic,
multi-party elections in the country in more than 40 years, in which South
Africa was a key partner.
Discussions between President Mbeki and President Kabila are expected to
focus on the outcomes of this first round of elections and preparations for the
second round of Presidential elections due to be held on 29 October 2006. While
in Kinshasa, President Mbeki is also expected to consult with Vice President
Jean-Pierre Bemba, who together with President Kabila, will contest the
presidential runoff.
President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Monday, 11
September 2006, ahead of his departure for the historic India-Brazil-South
Africa (IBSA) summit to be hosted by Brazilian President Lula da Silva from
Tuesday to Wednesday, 12 to 13 September 2006.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
10 September 2006
