Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
5 August 2002
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrived in Brazil on Monday 5 August for the Inaugural Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission Scheduled for 6-7 August in Brasilia.
Minister Dlamini Zuma is leading a high-level delegation of officials from departments of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Health, Minerals and Energy, Justice, Transport and Trade and Industry. The delegation includes South Africa's Ambassador to Brazil Mbulelo Rakwena and Foreign Affairs Acting Deputy Director-General Ndumiso Ntshinga.
Minister Dlamini Zuma will hold bilateral political discussions with her counterpart Minister Celso Lafer, on Tuesday 6 August to discuss among others the recent launch of the African Union; exchange of ideas on the reform of the UN Security Council; the current situation in the Middle East; regional efforts to bring about peace and stability in Africa and relations between South Africa and Mercosur.
During her visit, Minister Dlamini Zuma will pay a courtesy call on Brazilian President Fernanco Cardoso on Wednesday 7 August before addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the UN and the World Bank, media, academics and business leaders on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) and the African Union (AU).
Minister Dlamini Zuma will conclude her visit to Brazil with the possible signing of the joint Commission Minute and the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.