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President Thabo Mbeki is expected to arrive in Havana, Cuba on Monday, 26 March for a three-day state visit to Cuba. Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage Cavila will receive President and Ms Mbeki upon arrival at the Jose Marti International Airport.

The President's official delegation includes Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Kader Asmal, Dr Ben Ngubane, Thoko Didiza, Balfour Ngconde and the Director-general in the Presidency, Rev. Frank Chikane. On arrival on Monday, 26 March, the President will visit the Cuban Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

The state visit is aimed at strengthening political and economic bilateral relations between South Africa and Cuba. In this regard, President Mbeki is scheduled to meet with President Fidel Castro on Tuesday, 27 March for a bilateral discussion on the Millennium Africa Recovery Plan, regional conflicts, human resource development, reform of the United Nations and Brettonwoods institutions, the Non-Aligned Movement and the South Summit.

The relevant Ministers of the two countries will sign the following agreements:

1. Cultural
2. Science and Technology
3. Sports
4. Air Services and Merchant Shipping

On Tuesday, 27 March the President will visit the Flag Square of the Palace of Revolution for an inspection of a guard of honour. The afternoon will see the President addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps, Cuban Academics and public figures, as well as South African students based in Havana on the African Renaissance and the Millennium Africa Recovery Plan.

The president will later return to the Palace of Revolution for an official reception hosted by Cuban President Fidel Castro Ruz. President Castro will then bestow the Order of Jose Marti upon President Mbeki.

On Wednesday, 28 March, the President will participate in wreath-laying ceremonies in honour of Jose Marti, Cuban soldiers who died in Angola, Alex la Guma, the late former ANC Chief Representative to Cuba, before unveiling the bust of late ANC president Oliver Tambo. ANC Secretary-General Kgalema Motlanthe will join the President in this ceremony.

The President then departs Havana for Varadero where he will visit Puerto Escondido and Energas Petrochemical Industrial Complex and tourist development areas, before returning to South Africa on Friday, 30 March.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 09537-804-398.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

25 March 2001

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