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President and Mrs Thabo Mbeki landed in Botswana on Tuesday, 11 March, for the state visit scheduled for 11-13 March 2003. The President's delegation includes Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Jeff Radebe, Thoko Didiza, Pumzile Mlambo Nqcuka, Mosioua Lekota and Manto Tshabalala Msimang.

The state visit was postponed in the year 2002 due to the hosting of the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. The state visit comes in the wake of deepening bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and Botswana.

During the visit, President Mbeki is expected to hold bilateral discussions with his Botswana counterpart, President Festus Mogae, on the current socio-politico-economic situation in the region, NEPAD, and the AU. In addition, President Mbeki will hold discussions with the former President of Botswana, Sir Keitumile Masire, regarding the DRC peace process.

Both President Mbeki and President Festus Mogae are expected to sign the agreement on the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation to regulate bilateral relations between the two countries.

The President and his delegation are also expected to visit Orapa, a diamond-mining site and address the business community.

For more information contact: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853, Nomfanelo Kota at 082-377-7208, David Hlabane at 082-561-9428

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

11 March 2003