Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold Bilateral Discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, London, UK, Friday 6 March 2009

London- South African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will, tomorrow, Friday 6 March hold bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with the British Foreign Secretary David Miliband at the Foreign Offices in London, UK.

South Africa and the UK have a strategic political and economic relationship advanced through the existing SA-UK Bilateral Forum held at Head of Government levels. In this regard, the UK is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in Europe. Accordingly, the bilateral meeting takes place within the context of consolidating strategic bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries within the broad framework of North-South co-operation.

Discussions between Minister Dlamini Zuma and Foreign Secretary Miliband are expected to focus on among others:

- Exchange of views on developments in Zimbabwe since the establishment of an inclusive government;
- Discussion on the situation in Somalia including acts of piracy in the waters off Somalia;
-the ICC decision to issues a warrant of arrest against the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir
- Discussion on the UK decision to impose a visa regime on South Africa
- Exchange views to foster and strengthen co-operation with the United Kingdom in the multilateral arena on international issues of common concern, with special reference to the UNSC and the restructuring of International Institutions,
- The forthcoming G20 Finance Ministers meeting scheduled for London

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
SA High Commission-UK
5 March 2009.