Statement on the SADC Council of Ministers, Gaborone, 14-15 June 2002

Minister of Health Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad will represent South Africa at the SADC Council of Ministers from 14-15 June 2002 in Gaborone, Botswana.

The Council will discuss a Progress Report on the Implementation of the Restructuring of SADC, Reports on Gender, Food Security in the Region, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Abuse and the Development of a SADC Programme Against Corruption. The Meeting will also review the implementation of previous decisions taken by SADC.

The Council is also expected to take note on progress made with regard to the developments of NEPAD as well as to discuss preparations for the upcoming Inaugural Summit of the African Union in South Africa in July 2002.

Two Memoranda of Understanding on Macroeconomic Convergence and on Co-operation in Taxation and Related matters will be considered by the Council of Ministers.

The SADC Council of Ministers meeting has been preceded by the Standing Committee of Senior Officials Meeting on 9-13 June, the Finance Committee Meeting on 11 June 2002 and the Sub-Finance Committee, of which South Africa is a member, on 7 June 2002.

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag X152

Pretoria

0001

10th June 2002