MFA Press Statement: State Visit by President S R Nathan to the Republic of South Africa, Republic of Namibia and Republic of Botswana, 18 April to 1 May

President S R Nathan will make a State Visit to South Africa from 18-25 April, Namibia from 26-28 April and Botswana from 29 April- 1 May. This is the first high-level visit by a Singapore Head of State to Africa.

President Nathan will be accompanied by Mrs Nathan, Minister for Manpower and 2nd Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Mrs Ng, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Mayor for Central Singapore CDC and Member of Parliament Mr Zainudin Nordin, Member of Parliament Mr Ong Kian Min and officials. President Nathan will also be accompanied by a business delegation.

In South Africa, President Nathan will meet President Thabo Mbeki, who will host a State Banquet in honour of President and Mrs Nathan. During the State Visit, President will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone of Straits Chemical (Pty) Ltd, a joint venture company which is majority-owned by a Singaporean. President Nathan will also grace a tea reception with the Singapore community in Pretoria and visit Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban.

In Namibia, President Nathan will meet President Hifikepunye Pohamba. President Pohamba will host a State Banquet for President and Mrs Nathan. President Nathan is also expected to tour Walvis Bay.

In Botswana, President Nathan will hold talks with Botswana President Festus Mogae. President and Mrs Nathan will also be hosted to a State Banquet by President Mogae. In addition, President will visit the Botswana National Productivity Centre and the Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce.

President Nathan will then depart for Zambia for a one-day private visit. He is scheduled to return to Singapore on 3 May.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 APRIL 2007