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Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to Visit Russia and
France Tshwane - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
will depart South Africa on Saturday 9 July on a two-nation visit to Europe during
which she will visit the Russian Federation and France from Sunday - Thursday,
10-14 July 2005. The visit comes in the context of South Africa's commitment
to the consolidation of the African agenda through the promotion of North-South
co-operation in support of the African agenda through among others interaction
with countries of the G-8. In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma will hold
bilateral political and economic discussions with her Russian counterpart, Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, 12 July 2005 in Moscow. Upon conclusion
of discussions in Moscow, Minister Dlamini Zuma will depart for Paris, France
where she is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with French Foreign Minister
Philippe Douste-Blazy on Wednesday, 13 July 2005. Issues on the agenda of
both bilateral discussions include among others: - The status of bilateral
political and economic relations between both countries;
- The outcomes
of the recently concluded G-8 Summit;
- A briefing by Minister Dlamini
Zuma to her counterparts on the recently concluded Ivorian Peace Talks;
- Conflict
resolution in Africa
- Reform of the United Nations; and
- Preparations
for the Review of the Millennium Development Summit in New York later this year.
The visit to Russia and France by Minister Dlamini Zuma immediately
follows President Mbeki's participation in the G-8 Summit during which he interacted
with both Presidents Vladimir Putin and Jacques Chirac on this matter of support
from the developed countries for the African agenda South Africa is also
committed to creating the conditions for the strong bilateral political relations
between itself and both countries to be translated into increased bilateral economic
relations through foreign direct investment and tourism. Minister Dlamini
Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Friday, 15 July 2005. Issued
by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853. Department of Foreign Affairs
Private
Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 8 July 2005
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