Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE STATE VISIT OF PRESIDENT BONGO OF GABON TO SOUTH AFRICA
The Department of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that the President of the Republic of Gabon, H.E. El Hadj Omar Bongo, will be undertaking a state visit to South Africa from 20 to 22 November 1996. The visit, at the invitation of President Mandela, is taking place against the background of the expanded economic and other relations which have been developing between Gabon and South Africa over the last four years. It is the first such visit to this country by a Gabonese Head of State, other than President Bongo's attendance of President Mandela's inauguration in May 1994.
The invitation to President Bongo, who si the doyen of the Francophone African Heads of State, reflects the appreciation of the South African Government for the leading role which President Bongo has been playing in African affairs and for his contribution to South Africa's transition to democracy.
President Bongo will be accompanied during his visit by members of his government and it is expected that discussions between the Gabonese delegation and the South African authorities will cover a wide range of topics, including closer economic ties and co-operation between South Africa and Gabon, in addition to a review of important continental issues by the tow Heads of State. It is envisaged that a Declaration of Intent will be signed during the visit, relative to agreements on the reciprocal protection of investments, on maritime links and on the avoidance of double taxation.
The programme of the Gabonese President will include a state banquet, hosted by President Mandela on 21 November 1996 in addition to meetings with South African dignitaries. In recognition of President Bongo's leading role in both African and international affairs, President Mandela will also confer on him the Grand Cross (Gold), of the Order of Good Hope during the visit.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 19 NOVEMBER 1996