South African President Thabo Mbeki, as chair of the African Union, is to hold discussions with President Joachim Chissano of Mozambique on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement at the weekend.
The meeting, to take place in Pretoria, will consider the agenda of the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU Summit to be hosted by Mozambique from July 4-12 in Maputo. Mozambique is the incoming chair of the AU.
Mbeki and Chissano will discuss issues related to South Africa’s handing over of the chair of the AU.
Discussions will include the further operationalisation of the organs of the AU, in particular the establishment of the commission and the appointment of the chair, deputy chair and members of the commission.
Other matters will include progress made in respect of conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa and the implementation of Nepad (New Partnership for Africa’s development).
Chissano will be accompanied by the Mozambican Foreign Affairs Minister Leonardo Santos Simao and a delegation of officials. – I-Net Bridge