Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to undertake a working visit to the Republic of the Sudan, 23-26 October 2010

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Chair of the African Union (AU) Ministerial Committee on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) in the Sudan, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, will undertake a working visit to Sudan scheduled for 23-26 October 2010.

This working visit takes place within the context of consolidation of the African Agenda and South Africa’s involvement in the Sudan, motivated by the desire to see peace, security, stability and unity of the largest country in Africa.

South Africa supports the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between Northern and Southern Sudan that was signed in January 2005.  The Committee on PCRD, chaired by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, comprises Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and the Sudan. All members have played a constructive role in the reconstruction of the Sudan.  In February 2010, the Committee met to review the status of post-conflict reconstruction and development in Southern Sudan. The meeting provided an opportunity for member States and other African countries to highlight the contributions made in various areas including human resource development, food security, development of energy, resettlement of refugees and IDPs, education, health, capacity building, road construction and urban development, and urged for renewed efforts in support of post-conflict reconstruction and development in the Sudan.

During the visit it is expected that Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will hold meetings with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS); the Government of South Sudan Ministry of Regional Cooperation, as well as other ministries, including Human Resource, Health, Roads and Finance as well as the Government of National Unity Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will be accompanied by Mr Charles Nqakula, as a special envoy to the Sudan and other senior government officials.

For further information please contact Chief Director, Kgomotso Saul Molobi on 082 940 1647/ molobisk@dirco.gov.za

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 Soutpansberg Road
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22 October 2010