South African President Thabo Mbeki, Chief Guest for National Day 2008

GIS - March 10, 2008: The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, will be the Chief Guest on the occasion of the National Day Celebrations 2008. The South African President is arriving on March 11 accompanied by his wife, Mrs Z. Mbeki.

Besides participating in the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the independence of Mauritius on March 12, President Mbeki will have a tête-à-tête with the President of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jugnauth and the Prime Minister, Dr Navin Ramgoolam. President Mbeki will attend a Banquet hosted by the Prime Minister. He will lay a wreath at the SSR Memorial followed by a tree planting ceremony at the SSR Botanic Garden.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice will pay courtesy calls on President Mbeki.

Furthermore, the following dignitaries will also attend the National Day celebrations:

• Dr Axel Poniatowski, Président de la Commission des Affaires Etrangères de l'Assemblée Nationale who will represent Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic of France;
• Hon Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana, India;
• Baroness Valerie Amos, Member of the House of Lords, UK who will represent the United Kingdom;
• HE Dr Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yaï, President of the Executive Board of UNESCO; and
• Dr Indurbushan Manilall Doctor, Son of Manilall Doctor.