Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold Discussions with South African Heads of Mission

Beijing – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will today Tuesday 22 April 2008 continue discussions with South Africa’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Asian and the Middle East on the second of a two day annual workshop scheduled from Monday – Tuesday 21-22 April 2008. 

Minister Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Minister Pahad will discuss with South Africa’s envoys regional, continental and international political and socio-economic developments with a view to considering the impact thereof on South Africa’s foreign policy priorities within the region.

South African Heads of Mission will also be addressed by Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa on South Africa’s economic diplomacy priorities and objectives later in the day.

Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Mandisi Mpahlwa as well as Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad, supported by other senior officials from South Africa are in Beijing, People’s Republic of China within the context of the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries.

Minister Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad began their official visit to Beijing scheduled from Saturday – Saturday 19-26 April 2008 by holding bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Monday 21 April 2008.

Discussions between Ministers Yang and the South African government delegation included the status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries; the status of China – Africa relations; developments within Africa including peacekeeping, conflict resolution and a brief on socio-economic conditions; developments within Asia; and other issues of mutual interest.

Minister Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Minister Pahad will on Wednesday 23 April 2008 pay a courtesy call on Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will furthermore address the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on “South Africa’s Vision for the 21st  Century,” on Wednesday 23 April 2008 and together with Deputy Minister Pahad as well as senior departmental officials officially open the new South African Consulate-General in Shanghai led by our Consul-General Vika Khumalo on Friday 25 April 2008.

South Africa will also be participating in the Shangai Expo.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

22 April 2008