Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
23 June 1997
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: VISIT BY SA TECHNICAL ADVISORY MISSION TO KINSHASA, 24 - 25 JUNE 1997
A technical advisory mission, led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad, will be visiting Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as from 24 June 1997. The purpose of the mission is to examine possible areas where the South African Government could render advice and technical assistance to the new Government of President Kabila.
The South African delegation will consist of officials of the Reserve Bank, the Departments of Finance, and of Trade and Industry, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, as well as members of the Office of Deputy President Mbeki.
The visit is taking place as a result of an undertaking in this regard given by the South African Government to President Kabila and his Government, after a request for assistance had been received from the latter. The request should be seen against the background of the nearly complete absence of a functioning administrative infrastructure in the DRC following the collapse of the Mobutu Government in ex-Zaire.
The technical advisory mission to Kinshasa should be regarded as a demonstration of the commitment of the South African Government to making a substantial contribution to the restoration of peace and stability in the Great Lakes area and to encourage the economic development of the region.