South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Minister of Sport Makhenkesi Stofile, will pay a working visit to Berlin, Germany from Friday to Sunday, where the president will hold discussions with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In addition, they will participate in the 2010 handover ceremony and the launching of the logo for the 2010 World Cup, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
President Thabo Mbeki’s delegation will also include members of the Local Organising Committee — ministers Sydney Mufamadi, Essop Pahad, Jeff Radebe, Charles Nqakula, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi and Deputy Minister Jabu Moleketi.
“President Mbeki’s visit to Germany comes within the context of South Africa’s stated commitment to making the 2010 Soccer World Cup a truly African event. In this regard South African cultural groups will present truly South African artistic presentations during the handover ceremony,” the statement said.
While in Germany, President Mbeki is expected to hold discussions with German President Horst Koehler and Merkel.
Issues on the agenda of discussions are expected to include, among others: the implementation of President Koehler’s African Partnership Initiative since its inaugural meeting in Bonn in November 2005; an overview of the current status of bilateral relations and prospects for future bilateral co-operation; the forthcoming group of eight (G8) Summit to be hosted by Russia in July 2006; the forthcoming German presidencies of the European Union; and how Germany can support the African development agenda through its chairpersonship.
Developments within the EU and Africa Review of Region will be discussed, such as: cooperation in the World Trade Organisation negotiations; South African preparations for the 2010 World Cup; African conflict resolution and peacekeeping; and the support of the European Union in these initiatives (Germany will lead the EU peacekeeping force to the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of and during their scheduled elections).
There will also be discussions on other international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, the statement concluded. — I-Net Bridge