BuaNews (Tshwane)
Nthambeleni Gabara
16 June 2008
Pretoria — President Thabo Mbeki is visit Sudan to support for peace efforts and post-conflict reconstruction and development in the country.
The President will depart to Sudan after addressing youth at the Youth Day commemorations in Cape Town on Monday.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the visit to Sudan comes within the context of Mr Mbeki being current Chair of the African Union Post Conflict and Reconstruction Committee in Sudan.
During his visit, the President is scheduled to hold discussions with both President Omer Hassan Ahmed El Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit to discuss the latest developments in Sudan.
Issues up for discussion include the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. the conflict in the Darfur region and South Africa-Sudan bilateral relations.
Department's Capacity and Institution Building Project for Southern Sudan has trained over 800 Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) officials so far.
South Africa has also deployed a battalion and civilian police in Darfur as part of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNAMID).
The country is also continuing to support the Darfur peace efforts through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Trade figures between South Africa and Sudan are reported to have increased, but in favour of South Africa.
In 2007, exports amounted to R718 412 000, while in 2008 it was at R463 992 000.
South Africa's exports to Sudan include base metals, machinery, vehicles, wood pulp, plastics and chemicals, while imports from Sudan include vegetables, animal fats, plastics and machinery.
A growing number of South Africa companies are reported to have also shown interest in operating in Sudan.
President Mbeki who will be accompanied by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Aziz Pahad will return to South Africa on Thursday.
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