President Mbeki to Conclude Visit to the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm

Berlin -Today, Friday 08 June 2007, President Thabo Mbeki supported by the South African High Representative to the G-8 Summit, Advocate Mojanku Gumbi departed Berlin for Heiligendamm to participate in the Working Sessions of both the Africa Outreach Partners and the Working Session of the G-8 Leaders and Heads of International Organizations.

South Africa`s participation at the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm comes within the context of our country`s commitment to promote North - South Co-operation in support of the African Agenda.

Bilateral consultations with President Mbeki have also been scheduled today with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Romano Prodi, Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper, the German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel and the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Yesterday, upon arrival in Berlin, President Mbeki supported by Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Mandisi Mpahlwa held bilateral consultations with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi ahead of the Five Outreach Partners.

Amongst issues discussed during the bilaterals were the situation on the African continent, with regards to peace and security, matters pertaining to the United Nations, Trade and NEPAD.

Upon conclusion of these bilaterals, President Mbeki informed by the need to strengthen South - South Co -operation also participated in the Plus Five Outreach Partners Meeting which was chaired by the President of Mexico, Mr. Felipe Calderon Hinojosa. Other countries represented in the Meeting of the Heads of State and Government included President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil, Chinese President Hu Jintao,Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.

During the meeting, the leaders noted opportunities for joint collaboration in the fields of cross - border investment, research and innovation, climate change, energy and development.Views were also exchanged on topics of relevance to developing countries such as global governance, international trade, energy and the envionment, migration and South - South Co-operation. A strong emphasis was placed by the leaders that participation at the G8 Summit should not be seen as a substitute or weakening of the system of multilateralism.

President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Saturday, 9 June 2007 ahead of the visit of the Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001

10 June 2007