Minister Dlamini Zuma to Pay an Official Visit to Guinea

Conakry - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is later today, Monday, November 14, expected to arrive in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, ahead of her scheduled bilateral political and economic discussions with her Guinean counterpart, Foreign Minister Sidibe Kaba on Tuesday, 15 November 2005

The visit by Minister Dlamini Zuma to Conakry comes within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate bilateral political and economic relations with all countries of the African continent. In addition, the visit coincides with the establishment of South Africa's first residential diplomatic mission in Conakry.

Minister Dlamini Zuma and her counterpart, Minister Sidibe will review the status of bilateral relations between both countries, in addition to conflicts in the sub-region, with particular reference to the situation in Côte d'Ivoire. In this regard, both South Africa and Guinea serve as members of the International Working Group on Côte d'Ivoire that was recently mandated by the African Union and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

Much of South Africa's economic interaction with Guinea is limited to mining. Total trade with Guinea in 2004, totalled R283 million.

During this visit, Minister Dlamini Zuma is also expected to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Celou Dalein Diallo.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001

14 November 2005