Al-Jaafari, Dlamini to focus on enhancing political and diplomatic cooperation between Syria and South Africa

Damascus, (ST) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Bashar Al-Jaafari discussed with Candith Machigo Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, and the accompanying delegation, the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and developing political and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
The talks focused on the desire of the governments of the two countries to enhance inter-relations at all levels.
The importance of continuing political and diplomatic coordination and cooperation in international and other forums was also emphasized.
During his meeting with Dlamini and the accompanying delegation at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates today, Al-Jaafari referred the common denominators that unite the two countries, including the fact that their policies, unlike most countries, are based on principles and not on petty selfish interests. He pointed out that the geographical distance does not constitute an obstacle to the development of relations between the two countries.
Al-Jaafari said that the conditions that Syria is currently going through are similar to the conditions experienced by South Africa during the time of leader Nelson Mandela and his struggle for freedom and rejection of subordination.
In turn, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa affirmed that her country stands firmly with the Syrian government and people and its right to defend its complete sovereignty and territorial integrity and to fight terrorism. She denounced the unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people and considered these measures as a violation of international law.
Dlamini also referred the essential role of Syria in the Middle East and the need to restore its natural status and pivotal role, and thanked the Syrian government for the support it provided to the Republic of South Africa.
In a statement to reporters after the meeting, Dr. Al-Jaafari stressed the depth and strength of relations between the two countries. He praised the South Africa’s supportive stance for Syria in international forums, especially since the beginning of the terrorist war against it until now.
For her part, Dlamini stressed the depth of the cooperation and friendship relations between the two friendly countries. She expressed her confidence in achieving more of this cooperation and developing bilateral relations amid the changing circumstances.
Dlamini said that, there is a lot to be done in order to enhance the relations of cooperation in the interest of the peoples of the two countries who speak with one voice on several issues, especially security and peace in Syria and the world.
Raghda Sawas