Israel hoped to improve its relations with South Africa, which to date ”left something to be desired”, Israeli Foreign Affairs Director General Yoav Biran said on Friday.
His visit to the country this week was aimed at determining whether the wish for better ties was mutual, he told the National Press Club in Pretoria.
”I found a very positive attitude by the government in this regard.”
While Israel regarded the South African government as legitimate, ”not always did we feel that the government of Israel, which was elected democratically in very free elections, was treated likewise by some of our friends here, ” Biran said.
”I hope there will be a change in this respect.”
Israel was keen on improving cooperation with South Africa in various fields of mutual interest, expanding trade, and in meaningful political dialogue — for which there was ”huge room for improvement”.
”If such a dialogue is possible, you will find us happy to participate.
”If we do not succeed to develop such political dialogue it would be regrettable, but the result would be that South Africa will remain a by-stander, a distant observer, to what is happening in the Middle East.”
It was not necessary for the two countries to agree on everything, Biran said. Criticism was the legitimate right of any government.
”We will respect, of course, the views of our respective governments. We know, and I hope South Africa’s government will know, that the positions taken by both our governments [should be] based on a direct knowledge of the other government’s views. I am not sure we have reached this stage yet.”
Biran arrived in the country on an official four-day visit on Wednesday. His programme has included meetings with parliamentary Speaker Frene Ginwala, Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad.
He said the talks have been frank and detailed. A number of steps have been agreed on to expand cooperation, but Biran declined to elaborate.
Israel regarded South Africa as an important member of the African Union, and was eager to ensure genuine, practical cooperation in areas such as agriculture and hi-tech industry.
Bilateral agreements in various fields should be worked out within a few months, Biran said. – Sapa