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The only way to everlasting peace lies in frank and genuine negotiations between Palestinians and the State of Israel with the
two-state solution being the ultimate goal.
South Africa is ready to assist with this process.
In this regard, I have appointed two Special Envoys, former Minister Dr Zola Skweyiya and former Deputy Minister Dr Aziz
Pahad to engage on this matter with the State of Palestine and other relevant stakeholders in the Middle East region and the
world at large.
We have also noted with concern the growing tensions sparked off by the demands over the usage of the Al Aqsa Mosque. We
both agreed that the State of Israel, as the political authority, has a responsibility to return the situation to normalcy.
The people of South Africa and Palestine have a strong bond built in the trenches of struggle.
We want to build even stronger relations and cooperation based on that historical relationship.
We will later today have the honour to bestow on President Abbas the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo symbolising
the unbreakable bonds of friendship between our peoples.
I am confident that today we have laid a solid foundation for further strengthening of bilateral relations between our peoples.
I once again thank President Abbas for accepting my invitation to undertake this important and very historic visit to South
Africa.
I thank you.
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Website: www.thepresidency.gov.za
Operation Phakisa: www.operationphakisa.gov.za