Dutch prime minister cuts short South Africa visit after Paris attacks

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte inspects a guard of honour at the Union Buildings in PretoriaDutch prime minister Mark Rutte is in South Africa on Tuesday for a flying visit, after cutting short his original list of engagements following the terrorist attacks in Paris.

During the day-long visit, Rutte will hold talks with South African president Jacob Zuma and other government officials. He will be represented at other engagements by junior economic affairs minister Martijn van Dam.

The prime minister is accompanied by a trade mission involving 70 different companies. This is the largest Dutch trade mission ever to go to Africa, the prime minister’s press office said.

The Netherlands is South Africa’s second biggest export market for agricultural products.

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