President Mbeki to hold discussions with Ivorian Prime Minister

Bouake - South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, today Monday 30 July 2007 arrived in Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire, where he joined Presidents Laurent Gbagbo and John Kufuor as Chair of the African Union at the Symbolic Burning of Weapons Ceremony.

This Ceremony marks the launch of the disarmament process throughout Côte d'Ivoire.

President Mbeki will immediately following the Ceremony hold discussions with Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soros on the progress in the national identification and disarmament processes.

On conclusion of discussions with Prime Minister Soros, President Mbeki will travel to Yamassoukro, Côte d'Ivoire where he will participate in the graduation of the 37th Battalion before departing for South Africa.

President Mbeki will return to South Africa on Tuesday 31 July 2007.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

30 July 2007