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Commonwealth Secretary-General visits Namibia, South Africa and Botswana

24 March 2005

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon was in South Africa on 22 March, where he called on President Thabo Mbeki. In addition to the CHOGM preparations, discussions involved regional developments, Commonwealth development projects in the region, and progress on the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa meeting on the 22nd March 2005 in South Africa.

Prior to his visit to South Africa the Secretary-General was in Windhoek, Namibia, from 20 to 21 March 2005 to attend the inauguration of the country's new President, Hifikepunye Pohamba.

He held talks with President Pohamba to discuss current Commonwealth issues and preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta later this year. The Secretary-General also called on the former President, Dr Sam Nujoma. Mr McKinnon joined other Commonwealth leaders in the 15th Anniversary Celebration of Namibia's Independence on 21 March.

On 23 March Mr McKinnon was in Botswana to meet with President Festus Mogae and Foreign Minister Mompati Merafhe. Their discussions included Commonwealth development programmes in the country, progress of the Doha Development Round of trade negotiations, HIV/AIDS and NEPAD.

While in Gaborone, the Secretary-General held discussions with the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community, Dr Prega Ramsamy.

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 227 23 March 2005