Minister Dlamini Zuma concludes Visit to UN General Assembly

New York- South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today, Wednesday 27 September 2006 concluded her official visit to the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York.

Minister Dlamini Zuma was part of the overall South African government delegation led by President Thabo Mbeki to the UNGA in its capacity as the Chairperson of the G77 and China.

In this context, the South African delegation participated in the UNGA within the context of SA's conviction that the multilateral system of global governance remains the only hope for challenges facing humanity today, including efforts aimed at pushing back the frontiers of poverty and under-development.

Following the conclusion of the visit of President Mbeki to New York, Minister Dlamini Zuma assumed the reigns of leadership of the South African delegation to the UNGA. In this context Minister Dlamini Zuma chaired a Ministerial meeting of the G77+ China in New York early this week.

In addition, Minister Dlamini Zuma held a total of 26 bilateral discussions with her counterparts from various parts of the world as part of ongoing efforts by South Africa to consolidate the African Agenda through among others the strengthening of bilateral political relations with countries of the world.

Minister Dlamini Zuma had also provided support to President Mbeki during the India-Brazil-SA Summit held in Brasilia, Non-Aligned Movement Summit held in Havana, Cuba, the Summit on Cote d' Ivoire convened by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
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27 September 2006.