Dlamini-Zuma and Rice conclude discussions

8 January, 2008

Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma met the United States’ Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice on Sunday for bilateral discussions.

 Speaking to BuaNews from Washington today, Foreign Affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa confirmed the meeting had taken place between the high ranking officials.

 A detailed statement on the outcomes of the meeting is expected later today.

 The outcomes of Minister Dlamini-Zuma and Ms Rice’s discussions are expected to strengthen bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and the US.

 The meeting followed one held between Presidents Thabo Mbeki and George W. Bush last month in Washington, on the state of these relations.

 The heads of state also spoke on conflict resolution mechanisms and peacekeeping in Africa.

 They also discussed multilateral co-operation, including developments in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations and other issues of international concern.

 South Africa's accession to a two year seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), beginning today, was also discussed.

 Following the conclusion of the talks with Ms Rice, Minister Dlamini-Zuma departs for New York to participate in a ceremony where South Africa will hand over the Chairpersonship of the G-77 + China, to Pakistan on Wednesday.

 The G-77 + China is the biggest grouping of developing nations within the UN.

The event will also be attended by the new UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon. – BuaNews