|
Bush, Mbeki mum on talks
07/07/2003 08:55 - (SA)
Antoinette Slabbert, Beeld
Pretoria - What exactly the topic of conversation between US President George W Bush and President Thabo Mbeki will be when they meet on Wednesday, depends on themselves.
Abdul Minty, acting director-general of foreign affairs, informed local and foreign journalists that Bush's delegation, including media, would total about 600.
The American delegation arrives in South Africa from Senegal on Tuesday evening on an official visit.
President Mbeki will officially greet Bush and his wife, Laura, at a welcoming ceremony at the Union Buildings on Wednesday morning. The two presidents will also be introduced to various members of delegations.
After formal talks, a news conference will take place, followed by an official lunch.
Minty says the busy programmes of both heads of state have limited their talk to about an hour.
It's possible that informal talks may continue during lunch.
"A person should keep in mind that various matters have already been addressed by the ministers involved. Talks between Mbeki and Bush are aimed at establishing a personal working relationship."
Minty says the official visit is a huge security undertaking.
The government gained valuable experience with the visit of former president Bill Clinton and another during his wife, Hillary's visit to South Africa.
Minty says no special arrangements have been made for Bush's visit, apart from the normal levels of security in force during a state visit.
He believes the visit will go smoothly.
Church Street in the Pretoria suburb of Arcadia will be closed to traffic from 11:00 on Monday to Friday between Beckett and Leyds streets and Wessels street will be closed between Church and Pretorius streets.
- Beeld
|
News
