Pretoria — President Thabo Mbeki is to pay a three-day working visit to Germany this weekend.

The President is scheduled to hold discussions with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, in addition to participating in the unveiling of the 2010 Soccer World Cup logo this Friday.

Germany is currently hosting the world's most popular tournament.

President Mbeki will be accompanied by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and several Cabinet ministers, including foreign affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, sports and recreation minister Makhenkhesi Stofile and provincial and local government minister Sydney Mufamadi.

"President Mbeki's visit to Germany comes within the context of South Africa's stated commitment to making the 2010 Soccer World Cup a truly African event," said foreign affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.

South Africa's cultural groups are expected to perform during the handover ceremony, symbolising a truly African culture there.

While in Germany President Mbeki is expected to hold discussions with German President Horst Koehler and Ms Merkel.

It is expected that the leaders will discuss the implementation of President Koehler's African Partnership Initiative, an overview of the current status of bilateral relations and prospects for future bilateral co-operation.

The forthcoming G-8 Summit to be hosted by Russia this month will also be on the agenda.

Mr Mamoepa added that developments within the European Union and Africa Review of

Regions, co-operation in the World Trade Organisation negotiations and South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup would be on the agenda.

Other issues on the negotiating table would focus on conflict resolution, peacekeeping in Africa and the support of the European Union.

"Germany will lead the European Union Peacekeeping Force to the DRC ahead of and during their scheduled elections," Mr Mamoepa said.

He added that other international issues of mutual concern including the situation in Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian crisis would be discussed.