South African minister ends visit

South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma “successfully” concluded her four-day visit to Burundi on Monday, the South African news agency (SAPA) quoted a statement from her office as saying. During the visit she held talks with Burundian President Pierre Buyoya, government officials, human rights organisations and various representatives of civil society. “Through her interaction, Zuma sought to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of the actual reality of the country and its people,” the statement said. “Available economic opportunities and possible areas of cooperation will be brought to the attention of South Africans in order to initiate in-depth discussions with their Burundian counterparts,” Zuma was quoted as saying. She also called on the international community to assist in the economic development of Burundi saying, “it is crucial for the peace process”.