South African Ambassador Affirms Strengthening Of Bilateral Relations With Jordan Since 1994

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, Sept. 24 (Petra) -- South Africa's Ambassador to Jordan, Tselane Mokuena, affirmed that her country and the Kingdom have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1994.
Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on the occasion of "South Africa Week" in Amman, Mokuena said relations between the two countries have gained momentum in recent months.
She noted that South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation paid a working visit to Jordan in August, where he met with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs to launch the Joint Commission on Bilateral Consultations.
She added that the second round of consultations will be held in South Africa in 2026, pointing out that the Chief of the South African National Defence Force also visited Jordan in June for talks with his Jordanian counterpart, a reflection of the vitality of the bilateral relationship.
This, she said, followed the visit of Deputy Minister Alvin Botes in February, who engaged with Jordan's business community and toured a number of the Kingdom's tourist sites.
Mokuena underlined that South Africa and Jordan share many common positions in multilateral forums, particularly regarding the peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law. She revealed that several bilateral agreements are under negotiation and will be signed once finalized.
On the Palestinian cause, the ambassador stressed that South Africa is committed to supporting the Palestinian people against atrocities reminiscent of those endured under apartheid. She recalled her country's decision to bring a case before the International Court of Justice, which has since been joined by several other states concerned over violations of international law.
She said South Africa, alongside its partners, will continue to demand accountability for the crime of genocide in Gaza, noting that President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed at the UN General Assembly his country's unwavering commitment to the establishment of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Ramaphosa also called on the international community to remain committed to this goal despite attempts to render the two-state solution unfeasible, stressing that its success depends on full respect for international law.
The ambassador expressed appreciation for Jordan's humanitarian efforts in supporting the Palestinian people, highlighting Amman's coordination of aid including air-drop operations to counter Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Mokuena emphasized the deep connection both countries share with Palestine, recalling the late President Nelson Mandela's words: "But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."
She explained that South Africa, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention and a firm believer in international law and human rights, has taken Israel to the ICJ on four occasions since February 2024 to prevent genocide. She voiced concern that the Court's recommended measures had not been implemented and warned that the ground assault on Rafah could have led to widespread catastrophe, especially with Ramadan approaching and humanitarian aid still restricted.
South Africa, she noted, submitted its final 700-page memorandum of evidence in October 2024. Israel, initially expected to respond in June 2025, was granted an extension until February 2026. Mokuena welcomed the findings of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which confirmed that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Turning to the cultural celebrations, Mokuena explained that South Africa Week provides a platform to showcase her country's rich heritage. She said it is the first time in 30 years that South Africa's culture has been celebrated in Jordan, offering a unique opportunity to highlight diversity through music, cinema, and cuisine.
The week, held in September under the theme "Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era," seeks to use heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive future.
The opening ceremony at the embassy residence featured a showcase of traditional dishes prepared by renowned South African chef Bathabile Sharon Sambo. Mokuena also revealed that South African products will soon be available in Jordanian markets.
The program includes live performances by trombonist Mfaniseni Phillip Thusi, musician Charmain Nomsa Burkhardt, and opera singer Thabiso Jafta Masemene. In addition, three days of film screenings will feature award-winning South African titles such as "Wild is the Wind," "The Drop," and "The Umbrella Men 2," under the patronage of HRH Princess Rym Ali.
Mokuena noted that South Africa's vibrant film industry, with modern studios in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, has hosted major international productions including "Blood Diamond," "District 9," "Invictus," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," and "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom."
She concluded by saying that this year's celebrations were scaled down in light of the war in Gaza, but stressed that the embassy remained committed to showcasing South Africa's culture, cuisine, and artistic diversity through three key events.

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