South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and highlights his country’s support for Palestinian rights. He stresses the need to protect civilians and promotes negotiations for peace, drawing parallels with South Africa’s history. While discussing investment in Africa in Japan, he reiterates the importance of addressing the continent’s developmental needs in global forums.
On a recent visit to Japan, South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the ongoing violence against innocent civilians. He affirmed South Africa’s historical support for Palestinian autonomy and the two-state solution. Mashatile highlighted that South Africa had initiated proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocide, indicating their commitment to protecting lives.
He stated, “The killing of children, innocent children and women in Gaza is something that should not be tolerated.” Mashatile voiced hope that a ceasefire agreement would be reached, advocating for negotiations to focus on development rather than conflict.
Mashatile stressed South Africa’s non-aligned stance in global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. He clarified that South Africa is not taking sides but is promoting peaceful resolutions through dialogue. He mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit South Africa, potentially aiding in peace efforts.
Reflecting on South Africa’s own history, he recalled how negotiations, inspired by leaders like Nelson Mandela during the apartheid era, facilitated a peaceful resolution despite initial skepticism about engaging with adversaries.
In Japan, Mashatile also discussed fostering African investment with the Japanese government, linked to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). He articulated that South Africa’s G20 presidency aims to prioritize Africa’s development and ensure the interests of developing economies are addressed.
In summary, Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and affirmed his country’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of protecting innocent lives and promoting peaceful negotiations in conflict resolution, drawing from South Africa’s historical experiences. Furthermore, his discussions in Japan aim to enhance investment in Africa while ensuring the continent’s developmental needs are prioritized within the G20 agenda.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
