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Annan arrives in SA
13/03/2006 11:22 - (SA)
Cape Town - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in South Africa on Monday morning for a three-day visit that will include talks with President Thabo Mbeki on the global body's reform.
Annan, accompanied by his wife Nane, were met at Cape Town International Airport shortly after 09:00 by Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour and SA's ambassador to the UN Dumisani Khumalo.
Annan's visit is his first official one to South Africa since assuming leadership of the UN in 1997, the department of foreign affairs said.
He is to meet Mbeki at the president's Tuynhuys office in Cape Town on Tuesday.
"The official visit is... taking place within the context of ongoing consultations with member states regarding the proposed package of comprehensive reform of the UN including the UN Security Council as well as international financial institutions," the statement said.
"In this regard, President Mbeki will meet with the UN Secretary-General within the context of South Africa's conviction that the multilateral system of global governance remains our only hope in resolving current challenges facing the international community."
Annan is also scheduled to address the National Assembly on Tuesday, reflecting on his tenure thus far and on challenges facing the multi-lateral system.
He was expected to pay a courtesy call to former president Nelson Mandela, visit the Hector Petersen memorial in Soweto, hold discussions with civil society representatives, and interact with local UN staff.
"South Africa is indeed honoured to host and to be associated with this eminent and great son of Africa who has played a critical role in shaping global affairs in ongoing efforts to create peace, stability, sustainable development while pushing back the frontiers of poverty and underdevelopment," said the statement.
"We remember fondly that it is during his tenure that the world body endorsed African efforts aimed at the political and economic reconstruction and development of the continent and the adoption of Nepad (New Partnership for Africa's Development)."
Annan is to leave SA for Madagascar on Wednesday.
- SAPA
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