Nkoana-Mashabane arrived in Luanda on Monday night and will lead the South African delegation, with the meeting kicking off on Wednesday.

South Africa is a signatory to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PSCF), signed in February 2013.

The PSCF seeks to address the recurring cycles of conflict and violence in the eastern DRC.

Eleven countries in Africa have signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region, with the African Union, SADC, the International Conference of the Great Lakes and the UN acting as guarantors.

Heads of State and Government and representatives participating in the meeting are from the DRC, Angola, Burundi, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, the United Nations, the African Union, SADC and the ICGLR.

The meeting is expected to assess progress in the implementation of the PSC Framework and discuss developments in the Great Lakes Region.

It will provide an opportunity for participants to consult within the context of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region between 11 countries. DRC President Joseph Kabila will be expected to brief participating leaders on the political and security developments in his country

The South African Government delegation at the meeting includes State Security Minister David Mahlobo and senior officials from the Department of Defence and Military Veterans.

ANA