President Thabo Mbeki to attend Inauguration of Nigerian President Elect

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki will on Tuesday 29 May 2007 depart for Abuja, Nigeria where he is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Nigerian President-elect Umaru Yar'Adua scheduled for Tuesday 29 May.

President Thabo Mbeki will attend the inauguration of President Yar'Adua within the context of South Africa's commitment to consolidate political, economic and trade relations with Nigeria as part of efforts aimed at the consolidation of the African agenda.

Accordingly, President Mbeki in his congratulatory message to President Yar'Adua expressed South Africa's intention to, "continue to forge closer working relations between the two countries and to build a better Africa and the world."

President Mbeki also, "assured Nigeria of South Africa's readiness to extend a hand of solidarity with the people of Nigeria and wished the President Yar'Adua well in his endeavours."

President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday 30 May 2007 ahead of his bilateral discussions with British Prime Minister Tony Blair scheduled for Friday 1 June 2007 at the Union Buildings.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

28 May 2007