A delegation of high level officials from South Africa led by Minister of Natural Resource of the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Susan Shabangu is participating at the forthcoming 8th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council in Vicenza, Italy. The meeting opens on May 13, ad will host a Ms. Susan Shabangu deliverig a keynote address to the Plenary Session on May 14.

It may be recalled that South Africa holds the vice chair of the Kimberley Process and is scheduled to become KP chair on January 1, 2013. South Africa was the first chair of the Kimberley Process, and will mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme during its second term next year.

" Eli Izhakoff, President of the World Diamond Council. "With South Africa playing a key role in the Kimberley Process during the coming two years, their presence underscores the commitment to the ongoing alliance between government, industry and civil society in defending the integrity of the diamond trade."

Among the other senior government officials who will be addressing the WDC Annual Meeting Plenary on May 14 are Ambassador Gillian A. Milovanovic of the United States, the Chair of the Kimberley Process; and Tung-Lai Margue, Director, Head of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission.