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Statement on Conclusion of Talks between
South African and Likud Party Delegations, Wednesday,
8 September 2004
A senior delegation of the South African Government,
led by President Thabo Mbeki and Foreign Minister Dr
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, met for two days with a senior
delegation of the governing Likud party in Israel, led
by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Labor Michael
Ratzon.
The South African delegation included Ministers as
well as former Ministers and current and former senior
officials involved in the negotiations towards a democratic
South Africa. The Israeli delegation included four senior
Members of the Knesset as well as four senior members
of the Likud Central Committee.
The delegations shared experiences and exchanged views
on the Israeli - Palestinian conflict as well as the
state of bilateral relations. Both delegations found
the exchanges, which were conducted in a cordial manner
to be useful.
Both delegations committed to the need for a peaceful
resolution to the Israeli - Palestinian conflict and
recognised that peace in the Middle East will contribute
to global peace and stability.
Both parties have agreed to continue these discussions
as would be mutually convenient in future.
Finally the meeting agreed that the respective Departments
of Foreign Affairs should further reflect on the state
of bilateral relations.
Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
8 September 2004
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