Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA RELEASE: VISIT OF PRESIDENT GNASSINGBE EYADEMA OF THE REPUBLIC OF TOGO TO SOUTH AFRICA FROM 20 TO 30 SEPTEMBER
His Excellency Gnassingbe Eyadema, President of the Republic of Togo, will be undertaking an official working visit to South Africa from Sunday 28 to Tuesday 30 September 1997 at the invitation of President Nelson Mandela. President Eyadema will be accompanied by the Togolese Minister of National Defence, Mr Yagninim Bitokottpou, and the Minister of Mining, of Infrastructure, of Transport and of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr Tchamdja Andjo. The Chief of Staff of the Togolese Armed Forces, Colonel Assani Tidjani, is also accompanying the delegation.
During the visit President Mandela and President Eyadema are expected to hold discussions on a variety of issues concerning recent developments in the African Continent. The two Presidents are also expected to examine ways in which the warm ties of friendship between Togo and South Africa can be developed to the mutual benefit of the Togolese and South African peoples.
During his visit President Eyadema is also expected to meet with a number of key figures in the South African Government including Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, the Minister of Defence, Mr Joe Modise, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad. President Mandela will host President Eyadema and his delegation to a working lunch at Mhalamba Ndlopfu on 29 September 1997.
Togo and South Africa initiated diplomatic relations on 13 January 1997 and in recent years trade relations between the two countries have steadily increased.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 26 SEPTEMBER 1997