Statement on the Visit to Lesotho by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on 8 May 2002

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will visit Maseru, Lesotho today, Wednesday 8 May 2002 to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the Agreement on the Joint Bilateral Commission of Co-operation between South Africa and Lesotho signed on 19 April 2001.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will be accompanied on this visit by officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Minerals and Energy, Home Affairs, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Water Affairs and Forestry and Transport.

Both Minister Dlamini Zuma and Lesotho's Foreign Minister, Tom Thabane will, amongst others, launch various projects in Lesotho that will provide work and training opportunities to the Basotho thus contributing to the social and economic upliftment of Lesotho and her people.

The projects will include the Maluti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area; the Geo-chemical Mapping Project; the Stone-cutting Project (phase 1); the Tikoe Industrial Estate Project and technical assistance in Commercial Production of Livestock.

A Declaration of Intent on Technical Co-operation in the Upgrading of the Mokhotlong/Sani Pass/Underberg road will also be signed during the visit.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

P/Bag X152

Pretoria

0001

8 May 2002