Sao Paulo: President Jacob Zuma has today, 8 October 2009 met with the Paulista Football Federation, Dr Marco Polo Del Nero as well as the Vice President of the Brazil Football Federation, Mr Jose Maria Marin ahead of the state visit to be hosted by President Lula da Silva in his honour.
Whilst in Brazil, President Zuma is supported by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Sports and Recreation Minister Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile, Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies, South African Representative to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Ambassador Bangumzi Sifingo, International Relations Adviser, Ambassador Lindiwe Zulu, Political Adviser, Charles Nqakula as well as senior government officials.
Earlier this morning, President Zuma met the Paulista Football Federation President and his delegation and exchanged ideas on the preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup that South Africa will be hosting.
President Zuma emphasised "the importance of football in building bridges as well as bringing humanity together." He also emphasised the "importance of sharing expertise on the hosting of such important Games" as Brazil will also be hosting the next FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.
Brazil committed itself to assist South Africa in ensuring that this becomes a successful world spectacle on behalf of Africa and on behalf of the South. President Zuma supported by his delegation will also meet with the Governor of Sao Paulo, Jose Serra and is also expected to address a Business Roundtable where almost a 100 South African and Brazilian Business Executives and Members of the World Trade Centre Business Club will be participating.
On conclusion of the Business Roundtable, President Zuma will then travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart, President Lula da Silva. The two Heads of State will amongst others discuss:
* Strengthening of bilateral political, trade and economic ties between South Africa and Brazil.
* Exploration of possible trilateral cooperation between SA and Brazil in Africa and Latin America.
* Both South Africa and Brazil are committed to and involved in triangular co-operation in third countries in their respective regions.
* Exchange ideas on combating social challenges such as poverty, unemployment and human settlement challenges.
* Enhancement of people-to-people cooperation and increased trade and investment promotion.
* Recent G20 and the Africa-South America Summit (ASA) outcomes.
It is envisaged that two agreements will be signed following the bilateral discussions between the Presidents:
* a memorandum of understanding between the respective Departments of Trade and Industry on the Promotion of Trade and Investment
* an agreement on sports cooperation for the years 2009-2011 between the respective Ministries of Sport.
President Zuma and his delegation will also be hosted at a State Luncheon by President Lula da Silva. Part of the activities in Brasilia will also see President Zuma meeting with the Chamber of Deputies, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and then return to South Africa on 10 October 2009.
For enquiries and soundbites, contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Spokesperson of the President
Cell: 072 715 0024
Nomfanelo Kota
International Relations Spokesperson
Cell: 082 459 3787
Issued by: The Presidency
8 October 2009
