Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe concluded his working visit to the United State of America

Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe has today 31 March 2011 concluded a successful Working Visit to the United State of America.

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

In his interaction with various institutions in the three states that he visited – New York, Washington DC and Chicago, the Deputy President appealed to the people of America from all walks of life to sustain their strong ties with the people of South Africa and contribute in the growth and development of South Africa and the rest of Africa.

The Deputy President reassured business people that South Africa, with its rich mineral resources and modern infrastructure, remains an attractive destination for trade and investment.

In New York Deputy President Motlanthe conducted a public lecture at New York University which he used to highlight South Africa’s unique experiences, successes and opportunities.

The Deputy President also met with investors at the New York Stock Exchange to showcase South Africa as a good destination for investments and highlight opportunities created by the New Growth Path.

During the visit in Washington DC, Deputy President Motlanthe held bilateral talks with the Vice President of the United State of America, Joe Biden. Both leaders committed their respective governments to work together to catalyse increased trade and investment between South Africa and the United States of America.

The Deputy President concluded his mission with a visit to Chicago where he met the Governor of Illinois, Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Discussions focused on ways of growing the agricultural sector as a major driver of economic development and job creation.

The  Deputy President’s delegation included Ministers Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Tina Joemat-Pettersson of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ebrahim Patel of Economic Development, and Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim of International Relations and Cooperation. The Deputy President is expected home on Friday 01 April 2011.

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
Pretoria

31 March 2011