Pretoria - A high-level ministerial delegation is expected to leave for Qatar today to discuss partnerships on infrastructure.
President Jacob Zuma is sending the delegation to Doha following a visit to that country in January, where he held talks with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
The Presidency said they had agreed to intensify cooperation in infrastructure development and decided that discussions between the two sides should begin without delay.
The delegation heading to Qatar is being led by Gugile Nkwinti the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform who chairs the economic cluster as well as the Management Committee of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordination Commission.
The delegation comprises of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize; Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel; Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa; Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba; Energy Minister Dipuo Peters; Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele; Deputy Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene; Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe and International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim.
The President chairs the Presidential Infrastructure Coordination Commission which brings together economic and infrastructure ministers, premiers and metro mayors.
The Commission will oversee the massive infrastructure investment programme that was announced in the State of the Nation Address on Thursday.
"Government will be seeking partnerships for the infrastructure programme domestically and also from various regions including the Middle East," said the Presidency.
