Minister Dlamini Zuma says UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, supports the consolidation of the African Agenda

New York- South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expressed satisfaction with the meeting she held with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Tuesday 9 January 2007 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Minister Dlamini Zuma was meeting Ban Ki Moon for the first time since his official assumption of the position of UN Secretary-General.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is in New York leading a South African delegation including Foreign Affairs Director-General Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba, Deputy Director-General George Nene and SA's Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo to the handing over ceremony of the Chairpersonship of the G77+ China to Pakistan scheduled for later today, Wednesday 10 January 2007.

"We had a very good meeting in which the Secretary-General briefed us about his vision and priorities for the world body including his expectations of responsibilities of member-states.

"We were encouraged by his remarks that the consolidation of the African Agenda remains one of his priorities both in terms of security issues as well as developmental goals including the need for the achievement of the Millennium Developmental Goals" said Minister Dlamini Zuma

"The Secretary-General further briefed us on his vision to breathe a new lease of life into the organization whilst not seeking to bring about drastic changes to the world body. In this regard, the Secretary-General is soliciting ideas from all members-states including South Africa.

"South Africa committed itself to supporting the process and stands ready to contribute to the melting pot of ideas in this regard." concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
C/O South African Mission
New York
10 January 2006