President Jacob G. Zuma and Delegation arrives in Tripoli, Libya to participate in the 3rd Africa-EU Summit

Tripoli, Libya – President Jacob G. Zuma, today, Sunday 28 November 2010 arrived in the capital city of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tripoli to participate in the 3rd Africa-European Union (EU) Summit on 29-30 November 2010.  President Zuma and his delegation’s participation reconfirm the Republic of South Africa’s commitment to the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, the Action Plan and the Lisbon Declaration, which were adopted at the 2nd Africa-EU Summit in Portugal in 2007. Heads of State/Government and their delegations during the 3rd Summit will access the progress made since the 2007 Lisbon Summit and define the priorities for their continued cooperation in the years to come - this will be outlined in the Second Action Plan scheduled to be adopted during Summit.

President Zuma’s participation in the 3rd Summit is also indicative of the high regard the Republic of South Africa places in fostering relations with the countries of the North to enhance the priorities of the people of the Republic of South Africa and our continent as a whole.  Guided by the South Africa-EU Strategic Partnership, the Republic’s relations with the EU and its member states seeks to identify, build and reinforce mutually beneficial relations to assist in defeating the ills of poverty and support the global development agenda, particularly Africa’s developmental priorities.

The issues of, amongst others, intra-African trade, peace and security, governance and human rights, and climate change are scheduled to be addressed during the 3rd Summit. The Republic of South Africa recognises the urgent need to address these global issues in a rapidly changing world so that all people of our world are able to achieve their envisioned goals in the pursuit of happiness.

President Zuma will be supported in Libya by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and Minister of Trade and Industry; Dr Rob Davies, and senior government officials.

For further information please contact the Chief Director for Branch: Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on +27 82 940 1647 or +27 12 351 0083, or via e-mail at molobisk@dirco.gov.za. Alternatively, call President Zuma’s Spokesperson, Mr Zizi Kodwa, on +27 82 330 4910.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
Private Bag X152
PRETORIA
0001

28 November 2010