South African and Sahrawi Foreign Ministers Meet to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Mohamed Sidati, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, met with his South African counterpart, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. The meeting marked the commencement of Minister Sidati’s working visit to South Africa on Monday, July 15.

Senior officials from the South African Foreign Ministry joined the bilateral discussions, which began with separate meetings between the two ministers before expanding to include their respective delegations.

Discussions centered on the political landscape of Africa and strategies to enhance the longstanding friendship between South Africa and the Sahrawi people. Both ministers underscored the historical ties binding their nations and explored avenues for further cooperation.

Following the meetings, Minister Sidati expressed gratitude to South Africa for its consistent support of the Sahrawi cause, emphasizing the nation’s unwavering solidarity. Minister Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s steadfast commitment to backing the Sahrawi people in their pursuit of freedom and independence.

The ministers highlighted the alignment of their countries’ perspectives on bilateral, African, and international issues during a joint press briefing.

In a gesture of hospitality and mutual respect, Minister Lamola hosted a luncheon in honor of Minister Sidati and his delegation. The event was attended by senior officials from both ministries and Mohamed Yeslam Baisat, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic in South Africa.

The visit and discussions between the two foreign ministers signal a strengthening of diplomatic ties and mutual support between South Africa and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, reflecting shared values and aspirations on the African continent.