President Thabo Mbeki to attend Zambia's 40th Independence Celebrations, 23 - 24 October 2004

Lusaka- South African President Thabo Mbeki is expected in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday 23 October 2004 ahead of the country's 40th Independence celebrations scheduled for Sunday 24 October at the local Independence Stadium.

South Africa's Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who returns to South Africa on Friday 22 October from The Hague where she led the South African delegation to the SADC-EU Ministerial meeting will join President Mbeki on the visit to Zambia.

South Africa and Zambia forged close relations during the days of the struggle against apartheid. Zambia had since independence became a host to many Southern African liberation movements including South Africa's ruling party the ANC, whose headquarters were based in Lusaka.

The relations between the two peoples were transformed into state to state relations with SA's transition to democracy in 1994.

SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER

On arrival President Mbeki will attend a state banquet hosted by Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa. President Mbeki has had the honour of being requested to address the state banquet in response to President Mwanawasa'speech.

SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER

President Mbeki will on Sunday 24 October, participate in a wreath-laying service and an Investiture Ceremony in which he will confer honours on some prominent Zambians before witnessing a display of cultural, sporting and military display at the Independence Stadium.

President Mbeki and his delegation return to South Africa the same day.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

22 October 2004