17 July 2006
St. Petersburg - South African President Thabo Mbeki returns to South Africa
on Tuesday, 18 July following the conclusion of a successful official visit to
Russia for a strategic engagement with G8 leaders.
President Mbeki was part of a delegation of the Strategic Outreach Partners
composed of the Presidents of India, Brazil, China and Mexico who were invited
for strategic discussions with G8 leaders to discuss among others energy,
security, education, infectious diseases, international trade and a
presentation on Africa.
President Mbeki, accompanied by Mrs Zanele Mbeki, had led a South African
delegation including Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini, Mandisi Mpahlwa and Adv.
Mojanku Gumbi to the G8 Summit.
During his visit to Russia, President Mbeki held several bilateral
discussions with his counterparts from Brazil, China, France, President Lula da
Silva, President Hu Jintao and President Jacques Chirac, respectively as well
as with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Simultaneously, Minister Dlamini
Zuma held bilateral discussions with her Brazilian counterpart, Minister Celso
Amorim.
Visit to Code d'Ivoire
Abidjan - South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will
proceed from Russia on Tuesday, 18 July to Cote d'Ivoire, where she will lead a
South African government delegation to the meeting of the International Working
Group (IWG) on Cote dâIvoire.
Minister Dlamini Zuma's participation in the IWG comes within the context of
South Africa's commitment to contributing towards the peaceful resolution of
conflicts on the continent of Africa.
The IWG was established with a view to assisting the people of Cote d'Ivoire
find an amicable solution to their current political challenges.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 July 2006
