Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 April 2001
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is expected to arrive in Washington later today, Sunday April 15, ahead of a scheduled bilateral discussion with her American counterpart, US Secretary of State, Colin Powell.
The bilateral discussion, scheduled for Wednesday April 18, is the first between the two countries since the election of a new administration in Washington. Minister Dlamini-Zuma will utilise the occasion to lay a foundation for a state visit by President Thabo Mbeki to the US later this year.
The bilateral discussion will focus on a comprehensive review of relations between South Africa and the USA. During the tenure of the Clinton administration, the relations were regulated within the framework of a binational commission.
Both Minister Dlamini-Zuma and the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, are expected to exchange views on the Millennium Africa Recovery Plan (MAP), regional conflicts as the US policy towards Africa.
Minister Dlamini-Zuma will on the same day also have an occasion to exchange views with the new US National Security Advisor, Dr Condoleeza Rice.
Minister Dlamini-Zuma will be joined in the bilateral discussion by SA's ambassador to the USA, Sheila Sisulu and Foreign Affairs deputy director-general Ndumiso Ntshinga.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 091-516-850-6736.