Minister Dlamini Zuma to depart for Namibia ahead of President Thabo Mbeki’s State Visit

Pretoria – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Monday 29 October 2007 depart for Windhoek, Namibia ahead of President Mbeki who is scheduled to pay a State Visit on Tuesday 30 October 2007.  On Wednesday 31 October 2007 President Mbeki will together with his Namibian counterpart President Hifikepunye Pohamba co-chair the South Africa – Namibia Investor Conference.

Minister Dlamini Zuma said, “President Thabo Mbeki and his senior government and business delegation will visit Namibia within the context of South Africa’s priority to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Namibia as part of efforts to consolidate the African Agenda.”

“Accordingly discussions between Presidents Mbeki and Pohamba on Tuesday 30 October 2007 are expected to include, among others:

• The status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries;
• A review of political, social and economic developments in the region; and
• The forthcoming Africa – European Union Summit to be hosted by Portugal at the end of the year.”

In addition, “Presidents Mbeki and Pohamba will on Wednesday 31 October 2007 co-chair the South Africa – Namibia Investor Conference.  The Conference aims to:

• Stimulate domestic investment and attract foreign investment;
• Showcase investment projects in Namibia;
• Promote and encourage regional integration and economic development; and
• Facilitate an increase in trade between Namibia and other economic regions globally.”

In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma said, “The Investors Conference has attracted a lot of interest, not only from South Africa but from several other countries. So far 613 participants from 189 countries have registered for the Conference.”

“It is expected that an Agreement regarding the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments will be signed during the State Visit.”

“While in Namibia President Mbeki will also address a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament and lay a wreath at Hero’s Acre.”

“President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday 31 October 2007,” concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

28 October 2007