Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrives in Russia

Moscow - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has today Sunday, 10 July 2005 arrived in Russia on the first stage of 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
10 July 2005