Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka to represent SA at the Africa-Turkey Summit

Pretoria – South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, supported by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad will, today Monday 18 August 2008 depart for Istanbul where she will lead the South African government delegation to the first Africa – Turkey Summit scheduled for Monday – Wednesday 18 – 21 August 2008 in Turkey.

The South African government delegation will include SA representative to the African Union, Ambassador Pepani and SA’s Ambassador to Turkey Tebogo Seokolo.

Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka’s participation in the Africa-Turkey Summit comes within the context of the African Union’s decision to establish strategic partnerships with developed and emerging economies, with a view to tackling Africa’s development challenges.

In this regard, discussions at the Africa – Turkey Summit will seek to explore cooperation in such areas as:

• Intergovernmental cooperation;
• Trade and industry;
• Health;
• Peace and Security;
• Infrastructure Development in Energy;
• Transport and Telecommunication;
• Culture and Education; and
• Media and Communication.

Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka is expected to return to South Africa on Thursday 21 August 2008. 

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

18 August 2008