President Al-Assad grants South Africa’s Ambassador to Syria the Syrian Order of Merit of Excellent Degree

Damascus -President Bashar Al-Assad on Thursday granted South Africa’s Ambassador to Syria Barry Gilder the Syrian Order of Merit of Excellent Degree on the occasion of the end of his term as Ambassador to Syria.

Gilder was awarded the order of Merit by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Al-Mikdad during a farewell ceremony held by the Foreign Ministry in recognition of his efforts in enhancing relations between the two friendly countries.

Al-Mikdad stressed the strength of the historical relations between the two friendly countries and peoples, appreciating the efforts exerted by Ambassador Gilder during his mission with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations.

Al-Mikdad hailed South Africa’s stance on combating terrorism and the apartheid system and on supporting the just causes of the peoples, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause and the struggle of the Palestinian people in the face of the continuous Israeli crimes, especially in Gaza.

Gilder, for his part,  highly appreciated President Bashar Al-Assad’s honoring him by awarding him the Syrian Order of Merit of excellent degree, stressing that he is proud of working in the service of strengthening his country’s relations with Syria.

He reiterated his country’s condemnation of the war waged by “Israel” against the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip, stressing the need to immediately end this war and guarantee the international recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, especially the right to establish their state on their land. He affirmed that South Africa will continue to work to combat terrorism, racism, and colonialism and achieve Security and stability in the world.

Hamda Mustafa