South African President Mr Thabo Mbeki starts a four-day state visit to Britain today.
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Mr Thabo Mbeki
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President Mbeki, accompanied by several of his senior ministers as well as his wife, is due to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle, where a state banquet is being held in his honour tonight.
In another sign of respect for the man who took over from Mr Nelson Mandela as South African leader two years ago, a 41-gun salute was being fired from the Tower of London at lunchtime.
Tomorrow, President Mbeki will visit Scotland, where he is due to address the Scottish Parliament.Later in the trip he is due to address members of both Houses of Parliament at Westminster.
He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair and address a major investment conference.
Trade, investment and conflicts across Africa are all likely to be discussed during the visit, though the Aids pandemic blighting Africa is not expected to feature prominently.
President Mbeki has been criticised for questioning the link between HIV and Aids.
PA