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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov ahead of Joint South Africa-Russia Co-operation Meeting
22 May 2008
Moscow: South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrived in Moscow today, Thursday, 22 May 2008 and is scheduled to meet with Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Sergei Ivanov on Friday to discuss bilateral political relations between South Africa and Russia.
Minister Dlamini Zuma's visit to Russia comes within the context of the scheduled seventh Session of the South Africa-Russia Trade and Economic Commission meeting for Friday, 23 May 2008, in Moscow, with a view to strengthening bilateral political, economic and trade links between the two countries and to advance North-South relations
In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma is leading a high-level government and business delegation including representatives of Mintek, South African Diamond Trader, United Manganese Kalahari Project, Umthobo Resources, Sekoko Mining, Patmin and Pelawan as well as the Director-General of Minerals and Energy, Advocate Sandile Nogxina.
The South Africa-Russia Trade and Economic Commission (ITEC) is expected to:
* review the status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries
* briefing and discussions on regional developments both in Africa and the Middle East
*review sectoral reports on:
- agriculture
- education
- social services
- health and medical science
- trade investment and banking
- science and technology
- minerals and energy
- transport
- water affairs and forestry.
During her visit to Russia and as part of efforts to advance trade links with Russia, Minister Dlamini Zuma will, on Saturday, 24 May pay a visit to the Kremlin Diamond Chamber.
Minister Dlamini Zuma will conclude her visit to Russia on Sunday, 25 May and proceed to Yokohama, where she will join the South African government delegation led by President Thabo Mbeki, to the meeting of African Heads of State and Government with Japan during the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD) in Japan.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
22 May 2008