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South African President Thabo Mbeki will visit the United Kingdom from 18 to 19 May to attend the third meeting of the UK/SA Bilateral Forum. The meeting will focus on the enhancement of closer economic relations and deepening political of dialogue between South Africa and the United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Tony Blair will participate in the Forum where a wide range of issues will be discussed. These will include, among others, conflict resolution, global economic and social issues and development co-operation.

The President will then proceed to the United States for his first state visit to that country from 21-26 May. During the five - day visit, the President will travel to Washington DC, California, Texas and Georgia.

President Mbeki, accompanied by three Cabinet Ministers, will hold discussions with US President Bill Clinton, vice-president Al Gore, Congressional representatives and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The visit will serve to further strengthen the mature and co-operative ties that already exist between South Africa and the United States and will afford President Mbeki the opportunity to meet with key US business leaders, particularly from the IT, film and entertainment industries.

Enquiries: Daniel T. Ngwepe, tel: 012 - 351 0174, 082 858 02795

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2000