Thabo Mbeki's state visit
28 October 2007
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Monday, 29
October 2007, depart for Windhoek, Namibia ahead of President Mbeki who is
scheduled to pay a state visit on Tuesday, 30 October 2007. On Wednesday, 31
October 2007, President Mbeki will together with his Namibian counterpart
President Hifikepunye Pohamba co-chair the South AfricaâNamibia Investor
conference.
Minister Dlamini Zuma said, "President Thabo Mbeki and his senior government
and business delegation will visit Namibia within the context of South Africa's
priority to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with
Namibia as part of efforts to consolidate the African Agenda."
"Accordingly discussions between Presidents Mbeki and Pohamba on Tuesday, 30
October 2007, are expected to include, among others:
* the status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the
two countries
* a review of political, social and economic developments in the region
* the forthcoming AfricaâEuropean Union Summit to be hosted by Portugal at the
end of the year."
In addition, "Presidents Mbeki and Pohamba will on Wednesday, 31 October
2007, co-chair the South AfricaâNamibia Investor conference. The conference
aims to:
* stimulate domestic investment and attract foreign investment
* showcase investment projects in Namibia
* promote and encourage regional integration and economic development
* facilitate an increase in trade between Namibia and other economic regions
globally."
In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma said, "The Investors conference has
attracted a lot of interest, not only from South Africa but from several other
countries. So far 613 participants from 189 countries have registered for the
conference."
"It is expected that an Agreement regarding the Reciprocal Promotion and
Protection of Investments will be signed during the State Visit.
"While in Namibia President Mbeki will also address a joint sitting of the
two houses of Parliament and lay a wreath at Hero's Acre."
"President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday, 31
October 2007," concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
28 October 2007
