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President Thabo Mbeki to hold Political and Economic Discussions
with Prime Minister Tony Blair Tshwane - South African President Thabo Mbeki
will pay a working visit to London, United Kingdom where he will hold political
and economic discussions with his British counterpart, Prime Minister Tony Blair
on Wednesday-Thursday, 24 May 2006. President Thabo Mbeki's visit to London
comes within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate North-South
relations in the interest of achieving the developmental agenda of the South in
general and Africa in particular. In this regard, the United Kingdom is
a member of the Group of 8 (G-8) and a permanent member of the United Nations
Security Council. South Africa, together with China, India, Brazil and Mexico,
is considered a "Strategic Outreach Partner" of the G-8 and will be
attending the 2006 G-8 meeting to be hosted by Russia in July 2006. During
discussions with Prime Minister Blair on Wednesday, 24 May 2006, President Thabo
Mbeki will seek to: - Further consolidate and strengthen bilateral relations
between both countries;
- Actively promote the African agenda of development,
conflict resolution and peace and security including the situation in the Great
Lakes region, Sudan, and the DRC;
- Further enhance multilateral co-operation
between South Africa and the United Kingdom, especially in the
- World
Trade Organisation Doha Development Round negotiations;
- Restructuring
of the United Nations;
- Middle East Peace Process; and
- Promotion
of a diplomatic solution to the situation in Iran.
While in London
President Mbeki is also expected to interact with British captains of industry
and African Ambassadors resident in London. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on
082 990 4853 Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001 17
May 2006
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