President Jacob Zuma will attend the 66th United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, the department of international relations said on Friday.
Zuma would leave on Sunday, accompanied by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, spokesman Clayson Monyela said.
He said Zuma would focus on progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the global financial crisis, climate change and stability in the Middle East.
Zuma would address the general assembly on September 21. The theme this year was “The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means”.
He would also co-chair a panel on global sustainability. Monyela said the president was expected to join the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting on the margins of the General Assembly.
“This meeting will review developments in Libya and take appropriate positions to reinforce efforts towards peace, democracy and development in Libya.”
Zuma was expected to promote the upcoming 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) taking place in Durban in November.
After attending the UN general assembly, he was scheduled to leave for Houston, Texas, to receive an honorary degree from the Texas Southern University. - Sapa