President Thabo Mbeki to Participate in "Regional Conference on Africa and the Challenges of the Changing Global Order: Desirability of the Union Government"

Abuja - South African President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will attend the "Regional Conference on Africa and the Challenges of the Changing Global Order: Desirability of the Union Government," in Abuja, Nigeria on Saturday, 12 November 2005.

Other expected participants in the Conference will include Presidents John Kuffor, Benjamin Mkapa, Yoweri Museveni, Abdoulaye Wade, Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

During this Conference government and civil society representatives from the five African regions will further reflect on the concept of an African Union Government and discuss its desirability as a framework for the continent's effective participation in the global order.

This follows the reaffirmation of African Heads of State and Government in Sirte, Libya in July 2005 regarding Africa's complete political and economic integration.

In this regard, Summit established a Committee of Heads of State chaired by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to consider all proposals related to this goal, including the structure, process and timeframes required for this objective to be achieved.

President Thabo Mbeki will return to South Africa on Sunday, 13 November 2005.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
? Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001
10 November 2005