discussions with Prime Minister Tony Blair
17 May 2006
Tshwane - South African President Thabo Mbeki will pay a working visit to
London, United Kingdom (UK), where he will hold political and economic
discussions with his British counterpart, Prime Minister Tony Blair on
Wednesday, 24 May 2006.
President Mbeki's visit to London comes within the context of South Africa's
commitment to consolidate North-South relations in the interest of achieving
the developmental agenda of the South in general and Africa in particular.
In this regard, the UK is a member of the Group of 8 (G-8) and a permanent
member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
South Africa, together with China, India, Brazil and Mexico, is considered a
"Strategic Outreach Partner" of the G-8 and will be attending the 2006 G-8
meeting to be hosted by Russia in July 2006.
During discussions with Prime Minister Blair on Wednesday, 24 May 2006,
President Thabo Mbeki will seek to:
* further consolidate and strengthen bilateral relations between both
countries
* actively promote the African agenda of development, conflict resolution and
peace and security including the situation in the Great Lakes region, Sudan and
the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
* further enhance multilateral co-operation between South Africa and the UK,
especially in the:
* World Trade Organisation (WHO) Doha Development Round negotiations;
* restructuring of the UN;
* Middle East Peace Process and
* promotion of a diplomatic solution to the situation in Iran.
While in London President Mbeki is also expected to interact with British
captains of industry and African Ambassadors resident in London.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 May 2006
Source: SAPA
