Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-11-26

President Jacob Zuma has described Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ official state visit as a truly historic occasion for South Africa.

Zuma held private talks with Abbas at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday where he joined world leaders in condemning Israel for defying calls that it cease building new settlements in occupied Palestinian land.

Zuma said the settlements is in violation of Palestinians rights to have an independent state.

Zuma also pledged South Africa’s support for a two-state solution to the situation in the Middle East.

“South Africa stands firmly with the international community in demanding a two state solution where the states of Palestine and Israel will co-exist peacefully side by side within internationally recognized borders based on lines of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Zuma indicated that it has been a difficult year for the people of Palestine and peace loving people of the world.

“We are gathered here today after a devastating 50 day war by the Israeli forces against the people of Palestine. This is a war that left more than two thousand Palestinians dead and in some instances whole families were wiped out.”

President Mahmoud Abbas thanked the South African government for its continued support, and vowed to intensify efforts to achieve Palestinian statehood.

“We thank you with our deepest thanks in the role that you have played in raising the issue, the struggle and your noble stand and trade when you stood up with us for the cause of Palestine, for its freedom and also racist Apartheid.”

“We will continue to work and strive to ensure we a freed from occupation and the state of Palestine is established, and to stop the settlements. We will not abandon our people in Jerusalem, Gaza, refugee camps and the Diaspora,” said Abbas.

Abbas said he is against terrorism. “We are committed to establish peace with everyone in Palestine and in the region – the struggle for Palestine should not reprise us from the role that extremists seek and we will work with everyone against the aggression and also religious extremism and terrorism that we find that we face in the region today.”

The presidents also agreed on ways to strengthen bilateral ties between South Africa and Palestine, and discussed how South Africa could support the struggle of the Palestinian people.

Three bilateral agreements were signed.

These were for the establishment of a joint commission of co-operation; a memorandum of understanding on political consultations for the two governments to meet regularly about matters of common concern; and a co-operation in higher education and training agreement.

“We have agreed that the two ministers of international relations and co-operation and foreign affairs will convene the inaugural meeting of the joint commission during 2015,” said Zuma.

Later, the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, symbolising unbreakable bonds of friendship between the people of South Africa and Palestine was bestowed on Abbas while Zuma was bestowed with the Star of Palestine by the Palestinian President.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)