Minister Dlamini Zuma Arrives in China ahead of Bilateral Meeting with her Chinese Counterpart

Beijing - South African Foreign Ministers Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrived in Beijing, China on Sunday 20 May ahead of her scheduled bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Minster Yang Jiechi later on Sunday. This will be the first time the two Foreign Ministers meet since Minister Jiechi was appointed China's Foreign Minister.

Minister Dlamini Zuma's visit comes within the context of South Africa's commitment to strengthening South-South relations in general and strengthening bilateral political, economic and trade relations with China in particular.

Discussions between the two Foreign Ministers are expected to include among others:

A review of political, economic and trade relations between the two countries
Preparations for the holding of the Joint Binational Commission to be held later this year
The issue of Kosovo and other UN Security Council issues
Political briefings on Africa and Asia regions
As well as celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of diplomatic relations

Minister Dlamini Zuma is also expected to pay a courtesy call on the Chinese Premier and visit Shangai.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will upon conclusion of her visit to China proceed to Vietnam where she will provide political support to President Thabo Mbeki during the first state visit by a South African President to Hanoi.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
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20 May 2007