Media Statement
16 March 2021
Media Statement on the Virtual Meeting between the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigrant Affairs of the Republic of Yemen, Dr Ahmed Bin Mubarak, 16 March 2021
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor held a virtual meeting with her Yemeni counterpart, Dr Ahmed bin Mubarak, this morning, 16 March 2021.
The meeting was a positive engagement that sought to advance bilateral relations between South Africa and Yemen, as well as entering into frank discussions on the political situation in Yemen and ways in which South Africa may offer its support.
Minister Pandor conveyed the sympathies of the people of South Africa regarding the deepening humanitarian crises in Yemen as a consequence of the ongoing conflict. In this regard, the Minister offered South Africa’s support to the Yemeni Government and proposed to share the country’s expertise in conflict resolution and negotiation. Such assistance could be made available or facilitated by government or non-governmental organisations in support of either the United Nations mediation efforts or the Yemeni Government itself. Also, Minister Pandor offered to extend humanitarian support to Yemen through the United Nations organisations designated to assist.
Similarly, Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak briefed Minister Pandor on the developments in Yemen and informed South Africa of the Yemeni Government’s continued commitment to the peace process and the United Nations mediation efforts. Minister Mubarak thanked the Minister for the offer of support and would engage further on the matter with the United Nations. Minister Mubarak recalled the assistance provided by South African experts during the National Dialogue Conference in Yemen in 2013.
Both Ministers reiterated the perspective that the Yemeni conflict can only be resolved through a peaceful negotiation process that focuses on the well-being of Yemen and its people.
The Ministers also discussed bilateral relations between the countries, which focused on the conclusion of the Partnership Dialogue Agreement between South Africa and Yemen. Both Ministers noted the agreement could be concluded during 2021 and expressed their joint commitment to ensure that this is achieved.
The meeting ended with Minster Pandor and Minister Mubarak expressing their mutual appreciation for the meeting and the wish to meet in person when the opportunity presents itself.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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