Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Arrives in Côte d'Ivoire Ahead of the Third Ministerial International Working Group Meeting

Abidjan - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Saturday, 14 January 2006 touched down in Côte d'Ivoire ahead of the third meeting of the Ministerial International Working Group on Côte d'Ivoire scheduled for Sunday, 15 January 2006 in Abidjan.

The visit to Côte d'Ivoire takes place within the context of the appointment of a new Prime Minister last year, Charles Konan Banny and the formation of a new Cabinet on 28 December 2005, following an African Union (AU) mediation process by Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Olusegun Obasanjo and Mamedou Tandja.

The Ministerial Group is tasked with evaluating, controlling and monitoring the implementation of the Ivorian Peace Process.

On Monday, 16 January 2006, Minister Dlamini Zuma will join a South African government delegation led by President Thabo Mbeki to the inauguration of Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
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14 January 2006