President Thabo Mbeki to Lead South African Delegation to the 7th Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government, 1-2 July 2006

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will lead a senior South African government delegation to the 7th Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government to be held under the theme, "Rationalisation of Regional Economic Communities and Regional Integration," in Banjul, The Gambia scheduled from Saturday - Sunday, 1-2 July 2006.

Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is currently leading a senior South African delegation to the 9th Session of the African Union Executive Council which began its deliberations on Wednesday 28 June and is expected to conclude its discussions later today Thursday 29 June 2006.

Earlier in the week, Minister Dlamini Zuma chaired the African Union's Peace and Security Council Meeting that discussed the situation in, among others, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Chad, Sudan and Darfur.

President Mbeki's participation in the African Union Heads of State meetings come within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate the African agenda, through among others, the strengthening of institutions of the African Union.

The African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government is expected to receive and ratify recommendations on strategic political, economic and organisational issues from the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers.

In addition, President Mbeki is also expected to participate in the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee Meeting, supported by Minister of Public Service Administration Geraldline Fraser Moleketi.

President Thabo Mbeki will conclude his visit to The Gambia ahead of his Official visit to Guinea Conakry and State Visit to Niger scheduled from 3-6 July 2006.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

29 June 2006