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President Mbeki to hold Discussions with President Bush in Washington Pretoria
- South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini Zuma, will on Friday 8 December 2006 hold bilateral political and economic
discussions with his counterpart from the United States of America, President
George Bush in Washington. President Mbeki will hold consultations with
President Bush within the context of South Africa's priority to promote North-South
co-operation in support of the African agenda through, among others, the Group
of 8 (G-8). Discussions between Presidents Mbeki and Bush are expected to
include, among others: - The status of bilateral political and economic
relations between both countries;
- Conflict resolution and peacekeeping
in Africa;
- Multilateral co-operation including developments in the World
Trade Organisation negotiations, South Africa's accession to the non-permanent
seat in the United Nations Security Council; and
- Other issues of international
concern.
The economic relationship between the two countries remains
strong with continuing US interest in investment in South African industry and
expanding the trade relationship, which is currently in South Africa's favour.
The US is also focussing on stimulating economic growth and SMME development through
their USAID programme. Total trade is approaching R60 billion with an annual
increase of approximately 11%. South Africa has, in the past decade, been a major
recipient of development assistance from the US Agency for International Development
(USAID). Activities under USAID partnership will in 2006 reach over 827 700 individuals
with basic services and provide a capital investment of R40 million. President
Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Saturday 9 December 2006. Issued
by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 Department of Foreign Affairs
Private
Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 3 December 2006 | 
