|
President Thabo Mbeki arrives in Lesotho for SADC Summit Maseru
- South African President Thabo Mbeki arrived in Maseru, capital of Lesotho on
Thursday afternoon ahead of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled
from Thursday - Friday, 17-18 August 2006. Earlier in the day, President Mbeki
joined his Mozambican and Zimbabwean counterparts, Presidents Armando Guebuza
and Robert Mugabe respectively during the opening ceremony of the Giriyondo border
post. In Lesotho, President Mbeki will lead a South African delegation comprising
Ministers Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Trevor Manuel, Mandisi Mpahlwa, Lulu Xingwana
and senior government officials to the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. President
Mbeki's participation in the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit comes within
the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate the African agenda through
among others South Africa's participation and strengthening of SADC institutions. Minister
Dlamini Zuma early this week led a South African delegation of Ministers to the
Council of Ministers meeting from Tuesday - Wednesday, 15-16 August 2006. The
SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government is expected to deliberate on the
following issues: - Elections in the region particularly the post-election
situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo;
- The implementation of the
SADC integration agenda;
- Progress on the Financing, Design and Construction
of the new SADC Headquarters;
- Review the regional situation with regard
to:
- Economic and Social situation;
- Agriculture and Food Security;
- Gender;
- HIV
and Aids;
- The African Union including the implementation
of NEPAD and a progress report on the attainment of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs);
- Preparations for the International Conference on Poverty
Alleviation; and
- Receive reports from the:
- Chairperson of the SADC
Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation.
President
Mbeki and his delegation are expected to return to South Africa on Friday, 18
August 2006. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4863 Department
of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 16 August
2006
| 
