Igor Ivanov's Talks In Pretoria Also Aimed At Preparing Vladimir Putin's Visit To Pretoria

Negotiations being conducted by Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov in Pretoria are also aimed at preparing a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to South Africa. The Russian minister said this at a joint news conference with his opposite number from South Africa. According to Ivanov, there is an invitation from the South African side which was accepted with gratitude. The time of the visit will be agreed on additionally. Ivanov said that during his coming Saturday meeting with South African President Thabo Mbeki he would hand over to him a personal message from the Russian head of state. Ivanov invited South Africa's Foreign Minister Nkosozana-Dlamini-Zuma to visit Moscow and expressed hope that the Russian side would give him reception as warm as the Russian foreign minister met in South Africa.