Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Cape Town on Thursday for a three-day state visit that will include political and economic talks with President Thabo Mbeki and an address to the National Assembly.
Abbas arrived at Cape Town International airport at 12.30pm, and was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad.
”President Abbas’s state visit to South Africa comes within the context of South Africa’s priority to promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and post-conflict reconstruction and development in the Middle East through, amongst others, continued dialogue with both the Israelis and Palestinians,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
Mbeki in January congratulated the Hamas Islamic movement on its parliamentary election victory, and Abbas on being elected president.
The election results were met with caution by Western leaders. The United States has reportedly refused to deal with a Hamas government unless the group abandons its stated wish for the destruction of Israel.
South Africa supports a two-state solution to the conflict.
Mbeki has said those who promote democracy cannot afford to challenge the consequences of a democratic process, as in the Palestinian elections.
The Kadima party, led by Ehud Olmert, won elections in Israel this week.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said Mbeki will be briefed by Abbas on the situation and developments in the peace process.
There will be bilateral political and economic discussions, and briefings on the situations in the Middle East, Southern African Development Community and other African countries.
Abbas is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on former president Nelson Mandela and hold talks with the Jewish Board of Deputies, Arab ambassadors and the Muslim Judicial Council.
He is to address the National Assembly on Friday, and will leave the country on Saturday. — Sapa