President Jacob Zuma to visit Burundi

President Jacob Zuma will today, 10 August 2011, leave for the Republic of Burundi where he will be on a state visit on 11-12 August 2011 at the invitation of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

South Africa enjoys close relations with Burundi following the facilitation of the peace process in that country, firstly by former President Nelson Mandela and later by President Zuma in his capacity as Deputy President of the Republic.

South Africa believes the time has come to work more closely with Burundi in the country’s post-conflict reconstruction and development, and use the existing relations to promote cooperation in Trade and Investment, Higher Education and Defence. 

A General Co-operation Agreement was signed with Burundi on 14 February 2007 and shortly thereafter, on 16 September 2008, the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Health Matters came into force.

It is envisaged that the following agreements will be signed during the visit:

• Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Technical Cooperation
  
  
• Agreement on Education Cooperation
  
  
• Agreement on Defence Cooperation 

A South African business delegation will be part of the State Visit to explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries. 

President Jacob Zuma will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Higher Education, Dr Bonginkosi “Blade" Nzimande, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ms Thandi Tobias-Pokolo.

Issued by Mac Maharaj, Spokesperson to the President.

Enquiries:  Zanele Mngadi on 0823301148

The Presidency
Pretoria

10 August 2011