Mbeki and Blair discuss Zimbabwe

Blair and Mbeki have a strong working relationship

South African president Thabo Mbeki arrives in London on Wednesday on an official visit, with the political crisis in Zimbabwe high on the agenda.

The visit is designed to strengthen ties between South Africa and the UK, which is one of its biggest trading partners.

As well as discussing ways to build on the relationship between the two countries, Mr Mbeki and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair are also expected to discuss the political intimidation and violence in Zimbabwe which are threatening the integrity of the next month's elections.

Britain and South Africa have already consulted each other about the need for a regional diplomatic push to calm the political violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe.

President Mbeki has made it clear he sees Britain, as the former colonial power in the African country, as having a vital role to play in helping to restore order by funding a comprehensive programme of land reform.

Political intimidation

The UK has expressed its reluctance to release funds to pay for redistribution of white-owned land while there is still concern that the money could be misappropriated by President Robert Mugabe's government.

Clashes between white farmers and so-called war veterans are seen by the UK Government as being largely politically-motivated intimidation against opponents of the governing Zanu-PF party.

With the violence in Zimbabwe already undermining investor confidence in South Africa, President Mbeki will want to impress upon his British hosts the need for a quick solution that addresses both the political and the social dimension of the land issue in Zimbabwe.