South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to QNA: Qatar plays pivotal role in supporting peace

HE Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Alvin Botes praised the pivotal role played by the State of Qatar in supporting global peace diplomacy through conflict resolution via peaceful means, dialogue, and the settlement of international disputes, which is highly appreciated on the international stage.

In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of his participation in the 16th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, His Excellency added that Qatar, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, succeeded in mediating the crucial ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He confirmed his country's readiness to cooperate with Qatar and Egypt to ensure the implementation of the three phases of the ceasefire agreement, stressing that the ultimate focus must be on achieving lasting peace.

He said that South Africa has the ability to play a central role in supporting solidarity with the Palestinian people, whether through supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state or enhancing efforts to achieve the two-state solution.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa also said that his participation in Al Jazeera Forum comes as part of his countrys commitment to using the International Court of Justice as a means to show that Israeli entity's policies over the past 15 months amount to genocide.

He added that their position is based on compelling evidence, noting that they have already submitted a legal memorandum that includes a file of criminal evidence documenting the massacres committed and revealing the existence of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Regarding international solidarity with the case South Africa filed against the Israeli entity in the International Court of Justice, Botes said that they are pleased to see an increasing number of countries joining them in this case, as several countries have already submitted their legal papers, while others have expressed their intention to join soon.

His Excellency concluded his statement by pointing out that two weeks ago, a group of nine countries was formed in The Hague, Netherlands, known as the Hague Group. This group aims to promote legal accountability against the Israeli entity based on the interim measures adopted by the International Court of Justice, he explained, adding that they are happy to continue this work, and they will seek to engage more Middle Eastern countries to strengthen solidarity with Palestine.