during official visit to France
10 October 2007
South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, supported by Foreign
Affairs Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe, will on Saturday, 13 October visit
and offer moral support to the Springbok National Rugby team ahead of its
scheduled semi-final against Argentina, on the margins of her official visit to
France.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka will depart for France today, Wednesday, 10
October for her official visit scheduled for Thursday to Sunday 11 to 14
October where she is expected to hold bilateral discussions with her
counterpart French Prime Minister Francois Fillon and pay a courtesy call on
President Nicolas Sarkozy
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka's visit to France comes within the context of
South Africa's efforts to strengthen bilateral political, economic and trade
relations with France within the context of advancing North-South
cooperation.
During her visit, Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka will also present a keynote
address at the Third Conference of the Women's Forum for the Economy and
Society in Deauville.
South Africa and France enjoy cordial political relations characterised by
regular high-level dialogue, diverse bilateral cooperation programmes and
growing bilateral trade. In this regard, engagements between Deputy President
Mlambo-Ngcuka and the French government will seek to achieve:
* the strengthening of bilateral relations between South Africa and the new
French government
* discuss the proposed visit of President Nicolas Sarkozy's to South Africa in
2008
* soliciting support from the new French administration for the African Agenda
through support for conflict-resolution on the continent and the promotion of
social and economic development
* the improvement of trade and investment relations with France and the
European Union
* the forthcoming Africa-EU Summit in Portugal and
* review of the 62nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
10 October 2007
