President Thabo Mbeki to pay State Visit to Namibia

Pretoria – South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will depart for Windhoek on Tuesday 30 October, to pay a two-day state visit to Namibia scheduled from Tuesday-Wednesday 30-31 October 2007.

In announcing the visit, Minister Dlamini Zuma said “President Thabo Mbeki and 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.”

According to Minister Dlamini Zuma, President Mbeki will, during his state visit to Namibia, hold bilateral political and economic discussions with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba to discuss among others:

• A review of 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.”

While in Namibia, President Mbeki will also co-chair alongside President Pohamba the South Africa – Namibia Investor Conference aimed at:

• Stimulating domestic investment and attract foreign investment;
• Showcasing investment projects in Namibia;
• Promoting and encouraging regional integration and economic development; and
• Facilitating an increase in trade between Namibia and other economic regions globally.”

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. Accordingly, it is expected that an Agreement regarding the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments will be signed during the State Visit. President Mbeki will also have an opportunity to address a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament and lay a wreath at the Hero’s Acre.

President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday 31 October 2007.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

29 October 2007