Deputy President Jacob Zuma to Visit the Republics of Cape Verde and Benin, 9 - 13 August 2004

Deputy President Jacob Zuma will undertake an Official Visit to Cape Verde and Benin from 9-11 and 11-13 August 2004 respectively.

The Deputy President's visit to Cape Verde follows an invitation extended to him by Prime Minister José Maria Neves of Cape Verde during his Official Visit to South Africa during July 2003. The visit to Benin is aimed at identifying possible areas of political and economic co-operation between the two countries.

The purpose of the visit by Deputy President Zuma will be to strengthen bilateral political relations between South Africa and these two countries, and also to explore ways in which South African private and public enterprises can become involved in mutually beneficial economic ventures within the context of NEPAD.

The meeting between Deputy President Zuma and President Matthieu Kérékou of Benin is expected to include discussions on the security situation in the West African sub-region, in particular the situations in Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia.

Discussions are also expected to focus on the efforts undertaken by the sub-regional grouping, ECOWAS, in the resolution of regional conflicts and the role of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC), in resolving conflicts on the continent.

Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda at 082 782 2575.
Issued by the Presidency
Pretoria

5 August 2004