Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold Political Consultations in Kenya

Addis Ababa - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Sunday 19 November 2006 hold bilateral political and economic discussions with her Kenyan counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Raphael Tuju in Nairobi, Kenya.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will hold discussions with her Kenyan counterpart within the context of South Africa's commitment to strengthen and consolidate political, economic, trade and cultural links with all African countries.

Minister Dlamini Zuma's visit to Kenya is part of a three-legged visit which saw her visit Brussels for the South Africa - European Union Joint Co-operation Council as well as bilateral discussions, and Addis Ababa for the African Union Executive Council meeting to discuss proposals for the establishment of an African Union government.

In Kenya, Minister Dlamini Zuma will discuss with her counterpart Minister Tuju:

• The status of bilateral political and economic relations between both countries;
• Preparations for Kenya's Presidential elections scheduled for 2007;
• A briefing on developments in the region including Kenya's role within the context of IGAD to mediate in the Sudanese and Somalian conflicts and the Ethiopian - Eritrean border dispute;
• A briefing on developments in the SADC region; and
• Other issues of multilateral importance including South Africa's tenure of the Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council 2007-2008.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Monday 20 November 2006.

Economic Relations between South Africa and Kenya

Economically the Kenyan economy is the most advanced in East Africa and trade with Kenya continues to improve. Exports to Kenya amount to almost R3 billion annually while imports from Kenya totalled R203 million in 2005. There are more than thirty (30) South African companies and businesses making South Africa the biggest Foreign Direct Investor in Kenya.

Trade Relations with South Africa

Kenya is South Africa's largest trading in the continent outside the SADC region.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

16 November 2006