Minister Nkoana-Mashabane arrives for a working visit in 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 arrived in Sudan today, Saturday 23 October 2010, for a working visit scheduled for 23-26 October 2010.

Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was welcomed and received at the Khartoum International Airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sudan, His Excellency Dr Ali Karti and Senior officials of the South African delegation.

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.

The committee on PCRD, chaired by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, comprises of Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and the Sudan. All members have played a constructive role in the reconstruction of the Sudan. South Africa supports the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between Northern and Southern Sudan that was signed in January 2005.

Accordingly, Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, during her visit is expected to hold meetings with the first Vice President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit; Vice President Ali Osman Taha; African Union High Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP); Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC); and United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS);

It is also expected that Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will pay a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of the Sudan Hassan Omar Al-Bashir.

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

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

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 Soutpansberg Road 
Rietondale
0001

23 October 2010