Minister Dlamini Zuma to host a Delegation of Club of Madrid- AN Organization of Former Heads of State and Government, Monday 15 December Union Buildings, Pretoria

Pretoria- South African Foreign Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will, later today, Monday 15 December 2008 at 10h00 host a delegation of leaders of Club of Madrid, an organisation of former Heads of State and Government at the Union Buildings, Pretoria.

The delegation is expected to include among others Former President of Mozambique, Joachim Chissano, Former President of Chile Patricio Aylwin as well as the Former Prime Minister of France Lionel Jospin. Issues under discussion will include among others the issue of social cohesion and how best to achieve it.

Club of Madrid, of which Former President Nelson Mandela is a member, describes itself as “an independent organization created for the purpose of promoting democracy and change in the global community. Its members are usually former heads of state and government who have the ability to work as catalysts for change.

“The Club of Madrid works with various governments and other organizations in search of effective methods to provide technical advice and recommendations to transitional nations taking steps closer to a democratic way of life.

“Currently Ricardo Lagos, the former President of Chile, is the organization's president having assumed the presidency of the Club of Madrid during the 12th meeting of the Executive Committee, which took place in Stockholm on March 27. The previous president was Cardoso who had held the position as of 2004.

Following their meeting with Minister Dlamini Zuma, the delegation is expected to hold discussions with Former President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, later in the day.

MEDIA PROGRAMME
10H00- MONDAY 15 DECEMBER -PHOTO-OPP – FIRST FLOOR, EAST WING UNION BUILDINGS, PTA

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X1`52
Pretoria
0001

15 December 2008.