Minister Fraser-Moleketi to Co-Chair SA – DRC Ministerial Review Session

Pretoria – South African Minister for Public Service and Administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi will on Wednesday 6 August 2008, lead a South African Ministerial delegation to Kinshasa for the Ministerial Review Session of the South Africa – DRC Binational Commission scheduled from Wednesday- Thursday 6-7 August 2008.

The South African delegation will include Ministers Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Buyelwa Patience Sonjica, Thoko Didiza, Brigitte Mabandla and Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

During the Ministerial Review Session, Minister Fraser-Moleketi, will on behalf of Minister Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, co-chair the Ministerial Session alongside the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi,

Minister Fraser-Moleketi will co-chair this Review Session within the context of South Africa’s priority to support post-conflict reconstruction and development in the DRC.

This Ministerial Review Session follows the Fifth session of the BNC that was held on 3 April 2008 in Pretoria.  The BNC focused on crucial continued support for the Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) programme, guided by the DRC Government programme for 2007-2011, the priorities of which are:

• Infrastructure;
• Employment;
• Education;
• Water;
• Electricity; and
• Health

Accordingly, the Review Session will evaluate:

• The status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries;
• Development and challenges in the DRC; and
• Developments with regard to peace and security in the country.

The Ministerial Review meeting will serve to prepare for the summit meeting between the Presidents of South Africa and the DRC which will take place later this year.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

5 August 2008