Media Statement
17 September 2017
Deputy Minister Mfeketo to undertake an official visit to Syria and Lebanon
The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Nomaindiya Mfeketo will undertake an Official Visit to Syria and Lebanon from 19 to 23 September 2017. The objective of the visit is to strengthen the diplomatic relations between South Africa, Syria and Lebanon, as well as enhancing the economic cooperation.
South Africa enjoys friendly diplomatic relations with both Syria and Lebanon. Furthermore, these countries share common positions on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional security woes, as well as the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), with specific regards to the support of the inalienable right of Palestinians to a self-determination and the two-state solution.
Deputy Minister Mfeketo’s discussions with the two government authorities will evolve around how to strengthen bilateral relations at areas of potential between our countries and focus particularly on ways and means of increasing trade, tourism and investment relations, and possible joint actions between South Africa and Lebanon and further explore new areas of cooperation.
In this regard, the Deputy Minister will attend the 3rd Al-Bashek International Exhibition on Rebuilding of Syria, scheduled to take place in Damascus, Syria, from 19 to 23 September 2017 and participate in the SA Investment Promotion Seminars in Lebanon and Syria, 22 and 23 September 2017 respectively.
On Multilateral issues, discussions will focus on, inter alia, enhancing our understanding and cooperation of the current developments in the region, particularly as it relates to the political, socio-economic and security challenges that confront both Syria and Lebanon currently. Deputy Minister Mfeketo will further update her counterparts on political developments in the SADC region, as well as the African continent whilst also conveying South Africa’s position on developments in the Middle East region.
Enquiries: Salome Baloi, 083 778 7142
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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