India-Brazil-South Africa Ministerial Summit kicks off in New Delhi

New Delhi - Foreign Ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa are today, Tuesday 17 July expected to open the IBSA Ministerial Summit in the Indian capital of New Delhi. South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is leading a high-level senior government official delegation to the meeting.

The Ministerial Summit is partly aimed with a view to preparations for the IBSA Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for October this year in South Africa.

The Ministerial Summit will evaluate progress within the 14 working groups including the formation of a new working group on Revenue Administration. The working groups include among others trade, information society, science and technology, transport, energy, health, tourism, agriculture, education, defence, social development, public administration and climate change

Earlier Minister Dlamini Zuma held separate bilateral discussions with her Indian and Brazilian counterparts as part of preparations for the Ministerial Summit. Minister Dlamini Zuma had also briefed African Envoys on the outcomes of the recent AU Summit held in Ghana and conflict resolution in Africa.

Upon conclusion of the Ministerial Summit in New Delhi, Minister Dlamini Zuma will proceed to the Russian Federation for the forthcoming SA-Russia Inter-Governmental Trade and Economic Co-operation meeting.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

17 July 2007