President Thabo Mbeki To Pay First State Visit to Vietnam

Pretoria - South African President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, are expected to depart South Africa on Wednesday 23 May for Hanoi for the first ever state visit to Vietnam by a South African Head of State.

Minister Dlamini Zuma concluded her official visit to China on Monday 21 May where she held bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, and is expected to depart for Hanoi today, Tuesday 22 May.

President Mbeki's visit comes within the context of South Africa's commitment to strengthening political, economic and trade relations with Vietnam within the broad framework of consolidating South-South relations.

In Vietnam President Mbeki is expected among others to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart President Minh Triet on:

A review of bilateral political, economic and trade relations,
Support for ASGISA and Jipsa,
Political briefings on African and Middle East devlopments, as well as
Global challenges including global political governance

There exists a large potential for economic relations especially for the private sector to take up business opportunities in Vietnam. There are many long term and investment opportunities for South African companies in Vietnam.

In addition President Mbeki and his delegation are expected to meet with the revered General Jiap; address the South Africa-Vietnam Business Forum; address the Vietnamese Institute of International Relations; visit the Temple of Literature and the Reunification Palace and War Museum.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

22 May 2007