Ramaphosa expected in Harare tomorrow
SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected in Zimbabwe tomorrow on a working visit that will see him discussing bilateral relations with his counterpart, President Mnangagwa.
His office confirmed the visit in a statement yesterday.
President Ramaphosa, who is also the Sadc chair, will also visit Mozambique.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to the Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of Zimbabwe on 17 March 2018 as the Chair of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc),” said President Ramaphosa’s office.
“The visit forms part of a long-standing tradition in the Sadc region, whereby newly elected Heads of State pay courtesy calls to the neighbouring countries. During the visit, President Ramaphosa and his counterparts will discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.”
President Mnangagwa has also been touring the Sadc region apprising Sadc leaders of political developments in Zimbabwe that culminated in the resignation of his predecessor Mr Robert Mugabe, and his ascension to the Presidency on November 24 last year.
Presidents Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa will also discuss issues of interest in the region and beyond.
“It is expected that the Sadc Heads of State will pay a particular focus on the latest political and security developments in the region, including the regional economic integration agenda in the Southern African Development Community,” said President Ramaphosa’s office.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by his Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, and the Minister of State Security, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo confirmed President Ramaphosa’s visit.
“Remember that President Ramaphosa was recently sworn in as President of South Africa,” he said. “He is doing courtesy calls to Heads of State in the region. In that regard, he is going to pay a courtesy call on his counterpart.”
President Ramaphosa was sworn in as President last month taking over from his predecessor Mr Jacob Zuma, who resigned on the orders of the ruling African National Congress.
President Ramaphosa’ will see out the remainder of Mr Zuma’s presidential term until elections next year.