WASHINGTON, DC -- The President and Mrs. Clinton are hosting His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and Mrs. Mbeki at a White House State Dinner on Monday, May 22, 2000. President and Mrs. Mbeki will arrive at the North Portico at 7:15 p.m.

The President and Mrs. Clinton, and President and Mrs. Mbeki, will receive guests at the base of the Grand Staircase in the Grand Foyer of the White House. Following the receiving line, the President and Mrs. Clinton will escort President and Mrs. Mbeki into the South Lawn Pavilion for dinner.

Tables in the South Lawn Pavilion will be set with gold base plates; crème china with a gold band will be used for service. Gold flatware will be set on peach chamoise (satin) tablecloths. Centerpieces of blush, pink and burgundy peonies surrounding crystal bowls with a crème candle will adorn each table. Assorted crystal votive candles will surround the centerpieces.

Following the dinner, guests will be entertained in the South Lawn Pavilion by acclaimed concert pianist, Awadagin Pratt.

ENTERTAINMENT

A highly acclaimed concert pianist, Awadagin Pratt has become an icon and role model for the next generation of concert artists. His musical insights and intense performances have brought tremendous accolades from around the world.

Born in Pittsburgh, Penn., Mr. Pratt began studying piano at the age of 6. At the age of 16, he entered the University of Illinois where he focused on piano, violin and conducting. He subsequently enrolled at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he made history by becoming the first student at the Peabody Conservatory to receive diplomas in piano, violin and conducting.

In 1992, Mr. Pratt won the Naumburg International Piano Competition, making him an overnight musical star. Two years later he was awarded the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant. These prestigious awards catapulted his career, leading to performances in many of the major orchestra houses in the United States. In 1996, Mr. Pratt made his international debut in Japan, which included recitals in Osaka and Tokyo's Suntory Hall. He has subsequently appeared with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra in Israel and has played recitals at the Tonhalle in Zurich and in Capetown, South Africa.

One of the most talented instrumental musicians of the 21st century, Awadagin Pratt was named by Ebony Magazine as one of 50 Leaders of Tomorrow. A master of the interpretation of classical music, Mr. Pratt's contribution to the musical world has only just begun.

It is with great honor that President and Mrs. Clinton welcome this brilliant and gifted musician to the White House on this special evening.

OFFICIAL GIFTS

PRESIDENT CLINTON'S GIFT TO HIS EXCELLENCY THABO MBEKI, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA:
The official gift for His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, from President Clinton on the occasion of his state visit to Washington, D.C., is a Tiffany & Co. handcrafted sterling silver cache pot with an engraved inscription to President Mbeki. The piece features an etched border design inspired by a cornice found in the President's Oval Office and an etched floral design taken from the fireplaces in the Green and Red Rooms of the White House. The flower in the center is a dogwood blossom, a tree frequently found in the President's home state of Arkansas. The Presidential Seal is engraved on the bottom of the silver piece. The cache pot was designed exclusively as a gift for President Clinton to present on the occasion of a state visit. Every American president has had a signature gift to give during his tenure.

MRS. CLINTON'S GIFT TO MRS. MBEKI:
The official gift for Mrs. Mbeki from Mrs. Clinton is a sculpture entitled "The Storyteller," designed by world class illustrator Thomas Blackshear. "The Storyteller" forges his vision of tomorrow with stories and moral lessons from the past. Mr. Blackshear's "Ebony Visions" collection of limited edition figurines emphasizes the beauty of the human form and symbolizes the universal aspirations and ideals of humankind depicted through images that reflect the unique characteristics of African American culture. This highly sought-after, signed sculpture is 8.5 inches by 16.5 inches, and will be presented with a signed edition of Mr. Blackshear's book, Sketchbook.

OFFICIAL DELEGATION GIFT:
The official gift for members of the South African delegation is a 12 inch Tiffany & Co. pewter Chippendale tray with an inscription commemorating the state visit to Washington, D.C., of His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and Mrs. Mbeki.

PRESIDENT MBEKI'S GIFT TO THE PRESIDENT:
His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, presents to President Clinton a limited edition legal tender proof coin set. The Natura Prestige Set 2000 consists of four 24-carat coins produced by the South African Mint. Each gold coin is from the 2000 "The Sable-Queen of the Antelope" collection, which is second in "The Monarchs of Africa" series.

MRS. MBEKI'S GIFT TO MRS. CLINTON:
Mrs. Mbeki presents to Mrs. Clinton a 12-piece set of Afrisilver napkin rings. Each napkin ring features a different animal found in Africa, including a lion, elephant, leopard and buffalo.

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