October 28, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki will visit Canada November 3 to 5, 2003 at the invitation of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. President Mbeki will be accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Minerals and Energy, and Public Enterprises as well as business leaders.

"Canada values South Africa’s leadership role within the Commonwealth, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community and both as a strong contributor to regional stability and as a powerful economic engine of sub-Saharan Africa", said the Prime Minister. "We look forward to enhancing our relations in areas ranging from human security issues to commercial and economic ties, and to discussing progress on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)."

NEPAD is an African-led, comprehensive program of action to further sustainable development on the continent. It encourages global partnerships with African countries that demonstrate a solid commitment to good governance, economic and social development and poverty reduction.

This is President Mbeki's first State Visit to Canada. President Mbeki last visited Canada in June 2002 to participate in the G8 Summit at Kananaskis, at which the G8 Africa Action Plan in support of NEPAD was adopted.

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