Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe arrived in New York ahead of working visit to USA

Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe, has today 26 March 2011 arrived in the United States of America on a working visit scheduled from 27- 31 March 2011, which include visits to New York, Washington, and Chicago.

The purpose of Deputy President’s visit to the USA is the strengthening of bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States informed by South Africa’s domestic priorities and foreign policy objectives.

Deputy President Motlanthe will on Tuesday 29 March 2011 hold bilateral talks with the Vice President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, in Washington DC.  He will also meet with a number of influential American organizations and individuals in Washington DC and New York. He will deliver a public lecture at New York University which he will use to highlight South Africa’s unique experiences, successes and opportunities.

Deputy President Motlanthe will further bring about an understanding of the manner in which South Africa conducts its foreign policy, regionally and globally.

While still in New York, the Deputy President will meet the Chief Executive of the New York Stock Exchange, the meeting will accord the Deputy President an opportunity to showcase South Africa as a good destination for investments to fulfill the need to build relations with high level investors, share the New Growth Path, address concerns that American investors may have in terms of investing in SA.

The last leg of Deputy President Motlanthe’s mission will be a visit to Chicago where he will meet with will hold meetings with government representatives and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

26 March 2011