President Thabo Mbeki expected in Russia on Sunday

St Petersburg - South African President Thabo Mbeki accompanied by Mrs Zanele Mbeki is expected in the Russian Federation on Sunday, 16 July ahead of the strategic engagement with G8 leaders on Monday in St Petersburg.

President Mbeki will be supported in this regard by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Minister of Trade and Industry Mandisi Mpahlwa as well as Adv. Mojanku Gumbi who serves as South Africa's sherpa to the G8.

South Africa's participation in the G8 Summit comes within the context of the country's commitment to promoting North-South co-operation with a view to advancing the developmental agenda of Africa in particular and the south in general.

Central to the consistent message of President Mbeki has been the need for the G8 to ensure implementation of its commitments and the successful outcomes of the Doha development round.

In this context, President Mbeki and the Chairperson of the African Union, President Sassou Nguesso have been invited to participate on behalf of Africa, as an integral part of the Strategic Outreach Partners of the G8. Other partners include India, Brazil, China, Mexico.

Bilateral discussions on Sunday

On arrival on Sunday and as part of preparations for the strategic engagement with G8 leaders, President Mbeki is expected to hold bilateral discussions with President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, President Lula da Silva of Brazil, and President Fox of Mexico before a joint meeting of all Strategic Outreach Partners

Strategic engagement with the G8 on Monday

President Mbeki and other Strategic Outreach Partners will hold discussions with G8 leaders at the Summit convened to discuss among others energy security, education and infectious diseases as well as international trade and a presentation on Africa.

The 2006 G8 Summit under Russia's Chairpersonship will for the first time integrate the African agenda into all G8 deliberations. In addition outcomes of the G8 Summit will continue to be evaluated on their impact on the African developmental agenda and other developing countries.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082-990-4853

C/o South African Embassy
Russian Federation

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 July 2006