President Mbeki to hold Bilateral Meetings in Portugal

Lisbon - President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki arrived today, Thursday 9 March in the capital of Portugal ahead of the scheduled inauguration of Portuguese President Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva later today. The inauguration is expected to be attended by world leaders including United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

President Mbeki's visit to Portugal takes place within the context of efforts to strengthen and consolidate relations with countries of the North with a view to building partnerships in South Africa's efforts to ensure faster and shared economic growth and consolidating the African agenda and the agenda of the South.

During his visit to Portugal, President Mbeki will hold bilateral political and economic discussions with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates to discuss among others a review of the status of bilateral relations between South Africa and Portugal; EU-Africa relations and ongoing engagements in peacekeeping activities in Africa.

President Mbeki is also expected to meet with a leading and influential Portuguese business group led by Mr Belmiro de Azevedo who owns one of the biggest corporations in Europe, the SONAE Group. Sonae bought Sappi-Novobord in 2004.

In this regard the meeting is expected to discuss among others, Sonae's continued involvement in South Africa and new opportunities that the South African economy presents for further and increased investments.

President Mbeki is expected to conclude his visit to Portugal today, Thursday 9 March 2006 ahead of his scheduled visit to Chile for the inauguration of that country's first female President.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

09 March 2006