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President Mbeki will pay an official visit to Rwanda on the 18th and 19th of October 2000. This will be the first Official visit by a South African Head of State to Rwanda.

President Mbeki will be accompanied by a large delegation of Cabinet Ministers, representatives of South African Parastatals and business. The delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Ms. Thoko Didiza and Mr. Jeff Radebe, Minister of Public Enterprise.

Following the devastating genocide in 1994, the Government of National Unity of Rwanda has been engaged in the reconstruction of public and economic institutions. President Mbeki's visit will help consolidate South Africa's support for the economic growth and the entrenchment of democratic institutions in Rwanda.

Bilateral trade, economic and political development of the region is a strong focus of this visit. While South African companies have already invested greatly in Rwanda's economic development, it is clear that there is significant room for expansion of trade and economic relations. The large delegation of representatives from South Africa's Parastatals, including Eskom and Satour, will help foster these relations.

President Mbeki's programme for the two days includes a keynote address to the Unity and Reconciliation Commission national summit in Kigali, interaction with South African and Rwandan business people; visits to key industries in Rwanda's economy and a visit to the Murambi Genocide Site.

Enquiries: Tasneem Carrim, 083 650 7119

Issued by The Presidency, 16 October 2000