President Thabo Mbeki concludes Visit to G8 in Russia

St. Petersburg - South African President Thabo Mbeki returns to South Africa on Tuesday, 18 July following the conclusion of a successful official visit to Russia for a strategic engagement with G8 leaders.

President Mbeki was part of a delegation of the Strategic Outreach Partners composed of the Presidents of India, Brazil, China and Mexico who were invited for strategic discussions with G8 leaders to discuss among others energy, security, education, infectious diseases, international trade and a presentation on Africa.

President Mbeki, accompanied by Mrs Zanele Mbeki, had led a South African delegation including Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini, Mandisi Mpahlwa and Adv. Mojanku Gumbi to the G8 Summit.

During his visit to Russia, President Mbeki held several bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Brazil, China, France, President Lula da Silva, President Hu Jintao and President Jacques Chirac, respectively as well as with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Simultaneously, Minister Dlamini Zuma held bilateral discussions with her Brazilian counterpart, Minister Celso Amorim.

Visit to Code d'Ivoire

Abidjan - South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will proceed from Russia on Tuesday, 18 July to Cote d'Ivoire, where she will lead a South African government delegation to the meeting of the International Working Group (IWG) on Cote d'Ivoire.

Minister Dlamini Zuma's participation in the IWG comes within the context of South Africa's commitment to contributing towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts on the continent of Africa.

The IWG was established with a view to assisting the people of Cote d'Ivoire find an amicable solution to their current political challenges.

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 July 2006