Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON SUNDAY TIMES ARTICLE REGARDING THE STATE VISIT OF FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC TO SOUTH AFRICA
The Department of Foreign Affairs has noted with concern the article in the Sunday Times of 7 June 1998 entitled "SA won't let Chirac use Mandela on visit".
The Department would like to point out that this article is speculative and contains inaccuracies. It does not reflect the true nature of the state of bilateral relations between South Africa and France.
South Africa highly values its strategic partnership with France. Political and economic relations are on an excellent footing and President Chirac was invited to visit South Africa by President Mandela in the aftermath of his warm reception by President Chirac during his state visit to France in 1996.
President Chirac's state visit to South Africa from 26-28 June 1998 will include meetings with both President Mandela and Deputy President Mbeki.
The Programme for the visit is still being finalised and therefore speculation about specific programme items is premature at this juncture.
The South African Government is greatly looking forward to the historic and important visit of President Chirac.
ENQUIRIES: MR GERT GROBLER cell: 083 441 7976 or 446 442 (h) MRS JENNY PARTRIDGE cell: 083 306 5535 or 347 9129 (h)
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 7 JUNE 1998