The Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili left the country on Wednesday, for Lusaka, Zambia on official visit.

The Prime Minister's visit is to participate at the 27th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit held in Zambia whereby the political and economic situation in the region is expected to take centre stage.

During the Summit, the Prime Minister as the current chairman of SADC will hand the reigns over to Zambia, which will share its vision of accomplishing the implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol with a view to launch the SADC Free Trade Area in 2008 as it takes over the leadership of the SADC.

There will also be a launching of the Regional Peacekeeping Standby Force named SADC-Standby Brigade and a commemoration of SADC Day on Friday.

The Prime Minister's delegation comprised of, among other dignitaries, the first lady Mrs. 'Mathato Mosisili. Other members of the delegation, namely, Dr. Timothy Thahane and Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa are already in Zambia.

The SADC heads of state and government summit was preceded by the meeting of council of ministers, which was also preceded by the meeting of officials and that of the sub-committee on finance.

This is the first time for Zambia to host the SADC summit since its inception in 1980.

SOURCE: LENA 16/08/2007