Mbeki will not meet with Mauritian Chief Justice

The SA government has decided to cancel a meeting by President Mbeki and the Mauritian Chief Justice

President Thabo Mbeki will no longer meet the Mauritian Chief Justice, Govan Pillay, during his two-day official visit to the island.

The South African government has decided to cancel the meeting with the Chief Justice due to time constraints.

Mbeki is in Mauritius to strengthen economic cooperation and participate as chief of honour at tomorrow's 40th independence anniversary celebrations.

A number of senior leaders from the Mauritian government, the National Assembly and the judiciary, are due to meet Mbeki during the visit. The Prime Minister's office says this is in line with the country's protocol for receiving foreign leaders on occasions of this nature.

Several issues are on the agenda, among them, the Southern African Development Community’s long awaited move to a free trade area.