Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold Discussions with High Commissioner for Human Rights

Berne – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will today, Friday 7 March 2008 depart from Berne, Switzerland for Geneva where she is scheduled to hold discussions with the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Geneva based Human Rights Council Louise Arbour later in the day.

Minister Dlamini Zuma, who arrived in Berne yesterday Thursday 6 March 2008 on a five day official visit to Switzerland, held discussions with President Pascal Couchepin, the current President of Switzerland upon her arrival in Berne.

Minister Dlamini Zuma’s visit to Switzerland comes within the context of South Africa’s priority to strengthen relations with countries of the North with a view to consolidating the African developmental agenda.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is also scheduled to hold discussions with her Swiss counterpart, Foreign Minister of the Swiss Federation, Micheline Calmy-Rey tomorrow Saturday 8 March 2008 while in Geneva.

Issues on the agenda of discussions between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Micheline Calmy-Rey are expected to include among others:

• The status of bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries.   In May 2005 Switzerland declared South Africa as its most strategic partner outside the EU;
• Peace-keeping and conflict resolution in Africa including trilateral programmes in Africa between Switzerland and South Africa;
• Developments in Europe and Africa; and
• Other issues of mutual interest.

On conclusion of discussions between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Micheline Calmy-Rey on 8 March 2008 both Ministers will co-sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Mutual Cooperation through a Joint Working Group including a Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Relations.   Thereafter Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Calmy-Rey will attend an International Women’s Day event in Geneva.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will conclude her visit to Switzerland on Monday 10 March 2008 by officially opening a trade investment road show organized by the Embassy with the theme: “Business Opportunities in SA”.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is scheduled to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday 11 March 2008.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

7 March 2008