President Zuma arrives in Angola for his first State Visit

Luanda, Angola; President and Mrs Sizakele Zuma have arrived in Angola for the two - day State Visit scheduled for Thursday 20 and Friday, 21 August 2009. President Zuma was received at the Quatro De Fevereiro International Airport by Deputy Minister Chicoti from the Angolan side. A high powered delegation led by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane, South African Ambassador to Angola, Ambassador Kubheka, Presidency DG, Vusi Mavimbela as well Parliamentary Counsellor Ayanda Dlodlo received President and Mrs. Zuma.

A silent Guard of Honour and a red carpet rolled out in his honour, signified the symbolic importance the Angolan government attaches to President Zuma's State visit. This was last witnessed by both countries in 1996, when Former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela visited Angola.

PRESIDENT ZUMA'S PROGRAMME DURING THE STATE VISIT

President Zuma will tomorrow morning, Thursday, 21 August  2009 begin his State visit by departing for the Independence Square where he will lay a Wreath at the Monument of Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto, Former President of the Republic of Angola.The Ceremony will also be attended by the Governor of the Province of Luanda, Franscisca Do Espirito Santo Carvalho.This will signify the importance South Africa attaches to the contribution made by Angolans in the struggle for liberation. As President Zuma lays the Wreath tomorrow morning, he will also be paying tribute in honour of the sacrifice made by Angolans in freeing South Africa.

The Second Wreath Laying Ceremony will see President and Mrs Zuma laying a Second Wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldiers at the Santa Ana Cemetery.This will also be a Salute to the countless heroes and heroines who lost their lives in the defense of the South African peoples as well as honour all those who lost their lives in the SADC Region while freeing our country from the bondage of Apartheid.

Upon conclusion of the Wreath Laying Ceremony ,President   and his entourage will then depart for the Presidential Palace where the Official Ceremony will begin in earnest. The President and Mrs Zuma will be received by President and Mrs dos Santos.

Key Highlights for tomorrow will also include official talks between President dos Santos and President Zuma which will focus on strengthening bilateral political and economic relations as well as share some thoughts on the political situation in the region. The upcoming SADC Summit in Kinshasa ,the Mediation efforts led by President Jaochim Chissano in the search for peace in the sister country of Madagascar as well as progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement in Zimbabwe which has the support of both countries will also receive attention.

A Council of Ministers will also begin their proceedings aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Discussions will conclude with an adoption of a Joint Communique which will look at various areas of cooperation in a number of sectors such as an Agreement on Regular Diplomatic Consultations ,  an MoU in the Field of Human Settlements, Sports and Recreation, Trade Cooperation and Industry Cooperation, and Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

President Zuma will also address the National Assembly as well a Joint Session of the Angola- South Africa Business Forum.

Angola will host South Africa for an Official Luncheon with all the South African Cabinet Ministers as well as Business representatives.

On Friday, 21 August 2009, President Zuma will conclude his visit by departing Luanda for Bengo Province where he will lay a wreath at the Site of the fallen ANC Freedom Fighters.

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

Meanwhile, the Angolan and the South African business communities have been meeting today on the margins of the State Visit to look at ways of consolidating economic ties between the two countries. About a hundred business representatives are in Angola representing key South African parastals such as PETROSA, TELKOM, ESKOM, DBSA as well as companies in various economic sectors such as construction, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals,human resources, infrastructure,health, investment holdings etc. The Business delegates have been hard at work interacting with their Angolan counterparts and will unveil a common programme of action aimed at also contributing to the post- conflict reconstruction process.

For more information Contact Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson of President Zuma at 0027 72 715 0024, Nomfanelo Kota, DICO Spokesperson at 0027 82 459 3787 or Zingaphi Jakuja at 0027 82 766 3940

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
South African Embassy in Luanda, Angola
Road Kwame Nkrumah, Largo da Maianga Building
PO BOX 6212
Republic of Angola