MBEKI'S STATE VISIT TO NIGERIA

PRESIDENT MBEKI'S STATE VISIT TO NIGERIA, 1-4 OCTOBER 2000

President Thabo Mbeki today attended as a special guest of honour, the 40th anniversary celebrations of Nigeria's independence at Eagle Square, Abuja, Nigeria. President Mbeki was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister: Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Safety and Security Minister: Steve Tshwete, Communications Minister: Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri and Deputy Minister of Public Works: Buyisiwe Nzimande.

Also in attendance were Presidents Nujoma of Namibia, Museveni of Uganda, Eyadema of Togo and Konare of Mali. President Mbeki will tomorrow afternoon hold bilateral discussions with President Ousegun Obasanjo of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at State House, Abuja. A joint press conference addressed by both Presidents will follow immediately after the bilateral talks at 1800hrs (SA time), at State House, Abuja.

The President is accompanied on his visit by a large South African business delegation. President Mbeki will also tomorrow make a special address to the organised Nigerian business community.

Contact:
J T Pitswane, South African Operations Room, Nicon Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria,
Tel: + 234 9 4135975, 4131811-20 (Room 1062), Fax: + 234 94135977

Issued by the Presidency, 1 October 2000