Minister Dlamini Zuma arrives in Namibia ahead of President Thabo Mbeki’s State Visit

Windhoek – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today Monday 29 October 2007 arrived in Windhoek, Namibia ahead of President Mbeki who is scheduled to pay a State Visit on Tuesday 30 October 2007.  President Mbeki will arrive in Windhoek on Tuesday 30 October 2007.

President Mbeki will be supported by Ministers Mandisi Mpahlwa, Alec Erwin, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Lulu Xingwana and Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi.

Minister Dlamini Zuma said, “President Thabo Mbeki and his 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.”

Minister Dlamini Zuma said on his arrival President Mbeki is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his Namibian counterpart President Pohamba on Tuesday 30 October 2007 to discuss 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, President Mbeki and President Pohamba will on Wednesday 31 October 2007 co-chair the South Africa – Namibia Investor Conference.  Whose objective is 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.”

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 Transfer of Status Records of Persons Born, Married or Died in Namibia held by the government of the Republic of Namibia and a Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Consultations between South Africa and Namibia will be signed.

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.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

29 October 2007