President Thabo Mbeki expected later today in New York for the Millennium Development Summit and UNGA60

New York- President and Mrs. Thabo Mbeki is expected later today, Tuesday 13 September 2005, here in New York to lead the South African government delegation to the Millennium Development Summit and the 60th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly scheduled for this week.

The Millennium Development Summit is expected to consider progress made thus far in meeting millennium development goals including the objective of reducing poverty by half, reduction of infant mortality rate and achieving universal primary education.

The 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on the other hand is expected to consider a package of recommendations on the comprehensive reform of the United Nations system including UN Security Council as well as international finance mechanisms in support of development.

President Mbeki's delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Ambassadors Dumisani Kumalo, Barbara Masekela, and Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba, Ambassador George Nene, Titus Mafolo, Adv. Mojanku Gumbi and Trevor Fowler

President Mbeki and Minister Dlamini Zuma will later today, attend a meeting of Heads of State on the Burundi Regional Initiative hosted by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on the conclusion of the transitional period and the consolidation of peace in Burundi.

The meeting is expected to be attended by leaders of Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Rwanda, Zambia, representatives of the African Union, and delegates of the donor community (Netherlands/European Union) as well as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Burundi and Head of the UN Operation in Burundi.

In addition, President Mbeki and Minister Dlamini Zuma will also attend the meeting of African Heads of State who represented the continent during the G8 Summit held in Gleneagles in Scotland earlier this year including Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal and Tanzania.

A number of bilateral requests for meetings with President Mbeki have been received. Among others, President Mbeki is expected later today to hold discussions with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at +27 82-990-4853

C/o South African Mission

New York, 13 September 2005.