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30 May 2005

Pretoria - South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, will pay an official visit to Zambia from Thursday to Friday, 2 to 3 June 2005.

In discussions with his counterpart, Vice-President Augustine Festus Lupando Mwape scheduled for Thursday, 2 June 2005, issues on the agenda will include, among others:

* The consolidation of the African agenda through the operationalisation of the organs of the African Union (AU) including the AU Summit to be hosted by Libya in July 2005;
* The implementation of New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD);
* Conflict resolution and prevention in the region with specific reference to the adoption of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitution and arrangements for elections to be held in Burundi;
* A briefing on the situation in the Ivory Coast;
* The reform of global governance including the reform of the United Nations and its institutions.

Longstanding Zambian support of the liberation struggle in South Africa has led to the establishment of a deep mutual bond between the people of Zambia and South Africa.

President Mbeki, on his first State Visit as South Africa's Head of State, visited Zambia from 30 to 31 October 1999. During the visit both presidents signed a Declaration of Intent to further improve bilateral relations, as well as implement the General Co-operation Agreement signed in 1996 by Foreign Ministers Alfred Nzo and General Tembo.

While in Zambia, Deputy President Zuma will also pay a courtesy call on President Levy Manawasa, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Amusaa Mwanamwambwa, and meet with African Ambassadors and South African businesspeople based in Lusaka.

Deputy President Jacob Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Friday, 3 June 2005.

Economic Bilateral Relations

2005 (Jan):
RSA Exports to Zambia: 249,535
RSA Imports from Zambia: 88,904

2004:
RSA Exports to Zambia: 4,734,809
RSA Imports from Zambia: 992,298

2003:
RSA Exports to Zambia: 4,048,960
RSA Imports from Zambia: 571,441

2002:
RSA Exports to Zambia: 5,541,140
RSA Imports from Zambia: 777,871

Trade between South Africa and Zambia has increased substantially since 1993. Both countries are taking advantage of existing bilateral agreements to foster relations - evident in an annual increase of trade and investment flow between the two countries. Zambia is another substantial importer of South African goods, accounting for some R5.6-billion in 2003.

Several South African companies such as Anglo Vaal, Shoprite/Checkers, Truwool, Investec Bank and SAB have become major role-players in Zambia.

Improved cooperation in a variety of areas such as air services and infrastructural development also presents economic opportunities in Zambia to members of the South African private sector parastatals.

Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575

Issued by: The Presidency
30 May 2005
Source: SAPA