President Thabo Mbeki to hold Discussions with French President Sarkozy during his Visit to France to support Springboks

Pretoria- South African President Thabo Mbeki who left South Africa today, Friday 19 October 2007 for Paris, France to provide a morale boost to the South African National Rugby Team, the Springboks, ahead of its scheduled final with England will on Saturday 20 October hold bilateral political discussions with French President Nicholas Sarkozy on the margins of his working visit to France.

President Mbeki is accompanied to France by Minister of Sports and Recreation Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile, Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, SA’s Ambassador to France Mary Thusi-Sibanda, Advisors Titus Mafolo and Adv. Mojanku Gumbi.

In this regard, President Mbeki will on Saturday 20 October visit and interact with the Springbok National Rugby Team, against the background of massive national support for the rugby team ahead of the scheduled finals against England.

Following his interaction with the Springbok National Team, the pride of the South African people, President Mbeki will hold bilateral discussions with President Sarkozy before being joined by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to attend the international rugby finals

President Mbeki has expressed his confidence in the national rugby team, saying he believed that the team’s excellent performance thus far has signalled its capacity and resolve to win the world cup and thus add to the prestige and glory to our country, South Africa

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 October 2007.