Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President T.M. Mbeki
US/SA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION CO-CHAIRS TO HOLD BI-LATERAL DISCUSSIONS
Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will depart for Washington tomorrow, Tuesday 4 August 1998, to hold bi-lateral discussions with US Vice-President Al Gore.
The Co-Chairs of the US/SA Bi-National Commission (BNC) will meet in a regular session of the BNC following its postponement in February this year because of the situation in Iraq.
The discussions between the two BNC principals will pay particular attention to issues related to trade and investment. Minister for Trade and Industry Alec Erwin and various officials from other departments of state will accompany the Deputy President to these discussions.
It is also expected that other issues t be discussed between the respective principals include developments in Africa, co-operation to address the Year 2000 (Y2K) concerns, the Middle East peace process and the forthcoming Non-Aligned Movement Summit.
While in Washington, Deputy President Mbeki will also pay a courtesy call on US President Bill Clinton.
It is expected that Deputy President Mbeki will return to South Africa on Friday 7 August 1998.
Issued by: Ricky Naidoo Office of the Deputy President Date: 3 August 1998
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