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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General to visit Namibia, South Africa and Botswana

18 March 2005

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon departs for Namibia on Saturday 19 March 2005 to attend the inauguration of the new President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Monday 21 March 2005.

While in Windhoek, Mr McKinnon hopes to meet 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 plans to call on the outgoing President, Dr Sam Nujoma. Mr McKinnon will also join with other Commonwealth leaders in the 15th Anniversary Celebration of Namibia's Independence on Monday.

The Secretary-General will be in South Africa on 22 March to call on President Thabo Mbeki. In addition to the CHOGM preparations, discussions are expected to cover regional developments, a wide range of Commonwealth development projects in the region, and progress on the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

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

While in Gaborone, the Secretary-General will also meet the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community, Dr Prega Ramsamy.

Note to Editors:

The Secretary-General will be in Namibia from 20-21 March, in South Africa on 22 March and in Botswana on 23 March.

For media enquiries, please contact Joel Kibazo, Director, Communications and Public Affairs Division on +44 (0) 7740 450 901

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