The Foreign Affairs Department said on Thursday the government had noted United States Secretary of State Colin Powell's presentation to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, and the response thereto by other members of the council.
Mbeki had then instructed Pahad to leave for Iraq on Friday.
"The debate reaffirms South Africa's view of the centrality of the United Nations in dealing with matters that impact on global peace and security as well as the necessity to maintain unity and cohesion in tackling challenges facing humanity.
"The government expresses its hope that this as well as any other information will be handed over to the UN weapons inspectors to facilitate their ongoing work in Iraq. In this regard, the government again urges the Iraqi leadership to offer its full and pro-active co-operation with the UN Weapons Inspectors," the department said.
Earlier this week, the Government Communication Information Service (GCIS) said in a statement Pahad would travel to Baghdad soon "to urge the President Saddam Hussein-led government to fully co-operate with the United Nations weapons inspectors, to avert a looming US-led war".
Briefing reporters at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Monday, Pahad said he would urge the Iraqi leadership to declare its weapons of mass destruction and to open its programmes up for UN scrutiny.
He added that he would appeal to the Iraqis to also answer questions posed by chief UN inspector Hans Blix in his report to the UN.
Pahad's visit will be the second to the oil-rich country after he visited it in November last year to deliver Mbeki's letter to Hussein, calling on the latter to co-operate fully with the weapons inspectors - Sapa.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
