Press Release

22 March 2012

President Zuma to travel to South Korea and India

President Jacob Zuma will travel to Seoul, Republic of Korea, and Delhi, Republic of India, to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit (26-27 March 2012) and the BRICS Summit (28-29 March 2012) respectively.

The Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul is a follow-up to the April 2010 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C. At the 2010 Summit, Participating States made a political commitment to advance nuclear security through the adopted Communiqué and Work Plan.

The main purpose of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit is to review the progress made since the first Summit and to focus on facilitating national measures and international co-operation on nuclear security. The Summit takes place within the context of the commitment to achieve a world free from all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. The Summit provides a forum to raise awareness and to support the work of existing bodies on nuclear security, especially the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

During his visit to Seoul, President Zuma will hold bilateral talks with his counterparts on issues of mutual interest, including President Lee Myung-bak from the Republic of Korea, in the context of the 20th Anniversary of bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Korea. On this visit, President Zuma will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the Minister of Energy, Ms Dipuo Peters.

On conclusion of the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, President Zuma will travel to Delhi, India, for the 4th BRICS Summit. This will be the second time that South Africa attends the Summit after its admission to the bloc. South Africa’s debut was at the BRICS Summit held in Sanya, Hainan Island, China, in 2011.

The BRICS Summit will focus on global governance matters, which include the global economy and global peace and security. The Summit will also focus on sustainable development matters, which include climate change. South Africa will take advantage of the BRICS Summit to advance the African Agenda, seek support from BRICS partners for NEPAD infrastructure development and industrialisation initiatives on the African continent and advocate for reform of global governance institutions.

At the BRICS Summit President Zuma will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies.

Enquires: Clayson Monyela on 082 884 5974 or Mac Maharaj on 079 789 3203

Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria