working visit to Berlin and Germany
4 July 2006
Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Foreign
Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Minister of Sport Makhenkesi Stofile,
will pay a working visit to Berlin, Germany from Friday to Sunday, 7 - 9 July
2006, where he will hold discussions with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in
addition to participating in the 2010 Handover Ceremony and launching the logo
for the 2010 World Cup.
President Thabo Mbeki's delegation will also include members of the Local
Organising Committee, Ministers Sydney Mufumadi, Essop Pahad, Jeff Radebe,
Charles Nqakula, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi and Deputy
Minister Jabu Moleketi.
President Mbeki's visit to Germany comes within the context of South
Africa's stated commitment to making the 2010 Soccer World Cup a truly African
event. In this regard South African cultural groups will present truly South
African artistic presentations during the handover ceremony.
While in Germany President Mbeki is expected to hold discussions with German
President Horst Koehler and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Issues on the agenda of discussions are expected to include among
others:
* the implementation of President Koehler's African Partnership Initiative
since its inaugural meeting in Bonn in November 2005;
* an overview of the current status of bilateral relations and prospects for
future bilateral co-operation;
* the forthcoming group of eight (G-8) Summit to be hosted by Russia in July
2006, the forthcoming German presidencies of the European Union and the G-7/8
and how Germany can support the African development agenda through its
chairmanship;
* Developments within the European Union (EU) and Africa review of
regions:
a) co-operation in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations;
b) South African preparations for the 2010 World Cup;
c) African conflict resolution and peacekeeping and the support of the EU in
these initiatives. In this regard, Germany will lead the EU Peacekeeping Force
to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ahead of and during their scheduled
elections; and
d) Other international issues of mutual concern including the situation in Iran
and the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
Further details contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
4 July 2006
Source: SAPA
