Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the inauguration of Portuguese President-Elect
Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva
8 March 2006
Tshwane - South African President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Mrs Zanele
Mbeki, departs South Africa today, Wednesday 8 March, for Lisbon where he will
join UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other world leaders at the
inauguration of Portuguese President-elect Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva in
Portugal scheduled for Thursday, 9 March 2006.
President Thabo Mbeki's participation at the inauguration is viewed as
significant within the context of South Africa's commitment to strengthen
relations with countries of the European Union (EU), especially with regard to
advancing the African Agenda and the development agenda of the South.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to be attended by representatives of
the 15 member states of the UN Security Council, as well as representatives of
Mozambique, Angola, the European Union (EU), United States of America (USA) and
other Portuguese speaking countries.
President Mbeki will conclude his visit to Portugal on Thursday, 9 March
2006, ahead of his visit to Chile where he will attend the inauguration of the
first female President-designate Dr Michelle Bachelet scheduled for Saturday,
11 March 2006.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
8 March 2006
Source: SAPA
