Media Statement
21 November 2014
President Zuma to receive President Abbas of the State of Palestine
His Excellency President Jacob Zuma will on Wednesday, 26 November 2014, receive His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine on his State Visit to the Republic of South Africa.
During his visit in South Africa, President Abbas will conduct bilateral discussions with President Zuma on issues of mutual interest and common concern, inter alia, bilateral relations between South Africa and Palestine, the Middle East Peace Process, as well as other multilateral issues.
Bilateral relations between Palestine and South Africa are facilitated through a Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) that was established in 1995. Progress in establishing bilateral cooperation agreements proceeded apace, resulting in the signing of nine bilateral cooperation agreements and during President Abbas’ State Visit, three agreements will be signed, namely:
- Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Commission Of Cooperation: The overall objective of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the State of Palestine for the Establishment of a Joint Commission of Cooperation is to establish a structural mechanism that will monitor and guide the conduct of bilateral relations between South Africa and Palestine.
- Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations: The primary objective of the MoU is to create a mechanism that will allow South Africa and Palestine to hold political consultations twice a year to deliberate on issues of mutual interest, particularly the question of Palestine.
- Agreement on Higher Education and Training: The overall objective of the agreement is the development of cooperation between the two countries in the field of higher education and training.
In addition, South Africa supports international efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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