Arab Parliament Speaker Praises S. Africa's Support for Palestinian Cause

Nada Mustafa

Arab Parliament Speaker H.E. Mr. Adel bin AbdulRahman AlAsoomi, met with H.E. Mr. Ntsiki Mashimbye, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Egypt.

During the meeting, AlAsoomi praised the historical and brave position of the Republic of South Africa filing a lawsuit before the International Court of Justice against the Israeli occupation entity to investigate crimes of genocide against the Palestinian people and expressed thanks to the leadership and Government of South Africa for taking this honorable stance.

AlAsoomi affirmed the Arab Parliament’s appreciation to South Africa for its endeavors and tireless efforts supporting the Palestinian question in regional and international fora, and stressed that this position should not be shortened in bringing proceedings before the International Court of Justice, but it must be considered as a change in the international community's approach for dealing with the Palestinian question as the cause of right and justice, and he paid tribute to the free people of the world for joining this courageous path South Africa has pursued.

The two sides discussed the necessary arrangements for the implementation of the Arab Parliament resolution adopted at its last session to confer H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, the "International Shield" on behalf of the Arab people, in recognition of his courageous and honorable stand towards the Palestinian question, which is the highest decoration bestowed by the Arab Parliament to international leaders who support the issues of the Arab nation and contribute to their championing.

From his side, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa expressed his country's thanks and appreciation to the Arab Parliament for its decision to grant the President of the Republic of South Africa the International Shield, adding that he is following the Arab Parliament's strong attitudes towards the Palestinian question and advocacy for the Palestinian people notably since the beginning of the latest incidents, and expressed his great appreciation for the major responsibilities handled by the Arab Parliament in that regard and its moves to champion the Palestinian question, adding that the Arab Parliament's honorable positions reflect the pulse of the Arab street towards the Palestinian cause which is rooted in the heart and mind of all Arabs and Muslims.

The Ambassador of South Africa also commended the Arab Parliament's efforts to support the issues of the Arab region to ensure its security and stability in the light of current challenges and crises.

H.E. Mr. Ambassador Ntsiki Mashimbye stressed that his country and the Arab States are linked by relations of struggle and unforgettable historical positions, and reiterated his country's continued support to the Palestinian cause until the Palestinian people realize their right to independence and the establishment of their independent State with the city of Jerusalem as its capital.