Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold Political Discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso

Tokyo: South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Sunday 3 December 2006 arrived in Tokyo, Japan ahead of her scheduled official visit and bilateral discussions with her Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister Taro Aso scheduled for Monday - Wednesday 4 - 6 December 2006.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is visiting Japan with a view to the consolidation and strengthening bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Japan within the context of national efforts to ensure a faster and shared economic growth.

As is the practice for visiting dignitaries, Minister Dlamini Zuma will engage with Ambassadors and Heads of Mission of African Missions in Japan, aimed at exchanging views on recent African developments.

In the light of South Africa's economic relations with Japan, on Monday, 4th December 2006, Minister Dlamini Zuma will meet with key captains of industry such as Mr Miyaji, Member of the IIC and Corporate Advisor to Mitsubishi Company as well as the Vice Chairperson of Toyota, Honorary Consul, Mr Nakagawa.

Following this interaction, Minister Dlamini Zuma will meet with the Deputy Vice - Minister for Foreign Policy, Mr Kono.

Later, Minister Dlamini Zuma will be hosted by Foreign Minister Taro Aso for bilateral,political, economic and trade discussions. Issues on trilateral co-operation will also feature as Japan will chair the G8 in 2008 whilst South Africa will in 2008 be in its second year as the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

On Tuesday, 5 December 2006

Minister Dlamini Zuma is scheduled to meet with Mr Kyosuke Shinozawa, the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) as well as the President of the Japan External Trade Organization, Mr.Hiroshi Tsukamoto and Mrs Ogata, President of the Japan International Co-operation Agency.

Discussions will also take place between Minister Dlamini Zuma, the Secretary General, Senator Yano and members of the South Africa Parliamentary Friendship League and Senators Araki, Nomura, Shiina and Kawai.

On Wednesday, 6th December 2006, Minister Dlamini Zuma will pay a courtesy call at the Japan Football Association, where she will meet the Secretary - General of the Japan Football Association with a view to South Africa's hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Upon the conclusion of her official visit to Japan, Minister Dlamini Zuma will then proceed to Washington, USA where she will provide political support to President Thabo Mbeki during his bilateral discussions with President George Bush on Friday 8 December 2006.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 or contact Nomfanelo Kota in Tokyo at
00813 906 504 0422

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001

3 December 2006