The Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom will hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine, HE Rula Ma’Ayah to discuss strengthening of cooperation in the field of tourism between the two nationals / partners at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg on 13 September 2018.

Following the meeting, the Ministers will sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will give expression to the strong and long standing ties of friendship and mutual support between the people of South Africa and Palestine. Minister, HE Rula Ma’Ayah in on an official visit to South Africa from 12 to 14 September.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND:

THE SIGNING OF THE MOU ON TOURISM BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE STATE OF PALESTINE

DATE  : 13 September 2018
TIME  : 10:30
VENUE  :  Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg

NOTE TO EDITORS

Full diplomatic relations between South Africa and the State of Palestine was established on the 15th February 1995, which led to the opening of a Palestinian Embassy in South Africa in the same year and gave expression to strong and long standing ties of friendship and mutual support between the people of South Africa and Palestine.

The most recent bilateral engagement between South Africa and Palestine was in May 2016, when President Mahmoud Abbas visited South Africa at the invitation of President Zuma.

President Abbas also visited South Africa twice before. In June 2015 he attended the African Union Summit, in South Africa and in November 2014 he undertook a state visit to South Africa.

Other bilateral engagements include the visit to Palestine by the former Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ibrahim Ebrahim (April 2010) to further relations between the two countries and the visit by the Palestinian Minister of Culture Mr Siham Mohammad Abdel Salam Barghouty in February 2012.

Since the establishment of formal bilateral relations between SA and the State of Palestine, the numerous bilateral agreements in the areas of Heath Water and Forestry, Arts and Culture, Local Government were signed.

Kindly confirm your attendance to by noon on 12 September 2018 to:

Ms. Lerato Mogorosi    
Tel:  012 444 6620
Cell:  083 545 2411    
E mail: lmogorosi@tourism.gov.za