President Thabo Mbeki to Witness World Cup Final and Handing Over Ceremony, Berlin, Germany

Berlin - South African President Thabo Mbeki and Mrs Zanele Mbeki will on Sunday 9 July lead a South African delegation to the FIFA World Cup Final and handing-over ceremony, scheduled for the Olympia stadium, Berlin, Germany.

President Mbeki is leading a high-powered Government delegation including Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Makhenkesi Stofile, Jeff Radebe, Sydney Mufamadi, Essop Pahad, Deputy Minister Jabu Moleketi, Directors General Frank Chikane and Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba as well as the 2010 Local Organising Committee to Germany.

As part of the programme for Sunday, President Mbeki will also bear witness at the signing ceremony of the FIFA-EU Co-operation Agreement aimed at promoting soccer development in the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Upon conclusion of the signing ceremony, President Mbeki is expected to hold discussions with the President of the EU Commission Mr Barosso and FIFA President Sepp Blatter separately.

South Africa stands ready to host nations and peoples of the world in 2010 in what President Mbeki committed to making the best organised World Cup event FIFA has ever witnessed, on behalf of the people of South Africa in particular and the peoples of Africa in general.

President Mbeki returns to South Africa on Monday 10 July following a successful launch of the 2010 World Cup emblem and bilateral political and economic discussions with German President Horst Koehler and Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private X152
PRETORIA
0001

9 July 2006