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President Thabo Mbeki who concludes his interaction with members of the International Investment Council in Cape Town today, Saturday - 8 March 2003 - will depart from South Africa on Sunday, 9 March 2003 to attend the NEPAD Heads of State Implementation Committee Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.

President Mbeki will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The Abuja meeting will discuss the NEPAD Peer Review Mechanism with particular reference to its objectives, standards, criteria and performance indicators, receive reports of the NEPAD Steering Committee, the implementation of the NEPAD infrastructure and the review of the development effectiveness between Africa and its partners.

The following countries will be represented at the meeting: South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Mauritius, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.

Republic of Botswana

Following the Abuja meeting, President Mbeki will pay a State Visit to the Republic of Botswana from Tuesday, 11 March, to Thursday, 13 March 2003.

The Presidential delegation will include Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Thoko Didiza, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Jeff Radebe, Mosiuoa Lekota and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

The visit will cement the excellent bilateral relations both countries with specific emphasis on the political and economic spheres of co-operation.

During the visit, President Mbeki is expected to hold bilateral discussions with his Botswana counterpart, President Festus Mogae, to discuss among others the African Union, NEPAD, the restructuring of SADC and bilateral/regional issues of mutual concern.

It is expected that an Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation (JPCC) proposed by the respective South African and Botswana foreign ministers in October 2000 may be signed during this visit.

During his visit President Mbeki will also address the Botswana Parliament; hold discussions with the former President, Sir Ketumile Masire, regarding the progress in the Inter-Congolese Dialogue; the business community; and visit the most modern diamond mine in Africa in Orapa.

For further information contact:
Nomfanelo Kota @ 082 377 7208
Ronnie Mamoepa @ 082 990 4853
Bheki Khumalo @ 083 256 9133
David Hlabane @ 082 561 9428

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

8 March 2003