Minister Dlamini Zuma departs for Addis Ababa ahead of President Mbeki for AU Summit

Pretoria – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Saturday 26 January 2008 depart for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ahead of President Thabo Mbeki for the AU Summit and Executive Council scheduled from 27 January – 2 February 2008.

The Executive Council of Foreign Ministers of the African Union will lay the basis for the 10th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly to be held under the banner of the “Industrial Development of Africa,” scheduled from Thursday – Saturday 31 January – 2 February 2008, to which President Mbeki will lead the South African delegation.

Accordingly, the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers is expected to consider and discuss reports on the:

• Implementation of Accra Declaration including a Report of the High Level Panel on the Audit of the Union and a Report of the Ministerial Committee on the Union Government;
• The Chairperson of the Commission;  
• Situation in the Middle East and Palestine;
• The Permanent Representatives Committee;
• Draft Budget 2008;
• Negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements;
• Status of Trade Negotiations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO);
• Ministerial Committee on Candidatures to the International System; and
• Implementation of Decision Assembly on the Reform of the United Nations.

Ministers will also consider reports on the election of Members of the Peace and Security Council and of the Commission.

African Union Foreign Ministers are expected to receive reports on a variety of issues.

Finally, Ministers will debate the proposed participation of the African Diaspora as an Observer in the Assemblies of the African Union.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

24 January 2008