Foreign Minster, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to depart for Tripoli, Libya ahead of the African Union Summit

Tshwane - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will depart for Tripoli, Libya tomorrow Tuesday, 28 June 2005 where she will attend the 7th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of African Union (AU) Ministers scheduled from Friday - Saturday, 1-2 July ahead of the Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled from Monday - Tuesday, 4-5 July 2005.

Minister Dlamini Zuma returned from Brunei and Malaysia on Saturday, 25 June 2005 during which she consolidated bilateral economic and political relations in the quest to increase foreign direct investment and tourism opportunities between South Africa and South-East Asian countries.

President Mbeki and Minister Dlamini Zuma's participation in the Executive Council of Ministers and Summit of AU Heads of State and Government comes within the context of South Africa's objective to consolidate the African agenda through among others, the strengthening the institutions of the Continental organisation.

The Executive Council and Summit of Heads of State and Government comes in the wake of the recently held AU Committee of 10 Foreign Ministers charged with the responsibility of mobilising support for Africa's position regarding the comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, including the Security Council.

Accordingly, the Summit of Heads of State and Government will receive a report from the Executive Council of Ministers on the progress made in mobilising support for Africa's position.
Africa has called for 2 permanent seats and 5 non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.

In addition, the AU Heads of State and Government Summit takes place on the eve of the Summit of the eight most industrialised nations of the world scheduled for 7-8 July 2005 in Gleneagles, Scotland.
In this regard, the Summit of Heads of State and Government is also expected to ratify recommendations to be made to the G-8 leaders by African leaders.

President Mbeki and Minister Dlamini Zuma will depart from Libya for the G-8 Summit on Tuesday, 5 July 2005.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
27 June 2005