Press Release on Courtesy Call

Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Her Excellency Ms. Nomaindiya Mfeketo paid a courtesy call on Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey at the latter’s office today. She was accompanied by the non-resident Ambassador of South Africa to Nepal as well as other senior officials of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

During the meeting, Her Excellency Mfeketo stated that Nepal and South Africa had a long history of friendship and understanding, and expressed her desire to further promote the bilateral relations between the two countries. On the occasion, views were also exchanged about the role of Nepal in the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid in South Africa, prospects for further cooperation both on bilateral and international fronts, sharing of South African experiences in federalism as well as truth and reconciliation commission. Hon. Pandey expressed appreciation to the medical teams from South Africa for their valuable services to the earthquake victims in Nepal and highlighted the need for further deepening the friendship based on the solid foundation of solidarity and understanding between the two countries.

Earlier today she had a meeting with Officiating Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi. During her meeting with the Officiating Foreign Secretary, H.E. the Deputy Minister stated that the objective of her visit was to support the bilateral initiatives for a more structured relationship between the two countries. Matters of mutual interest were discussed on the occasion. The Officiating Foreign Secretary also hosted a luncheon in her honour. Her Excellency Ms. Mfeketo also met with Chairman of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hon. Mr. Surya Kiran Gurung this afternoon.

Leading a 9-member South African delegation, Her Excellency the Deputy Minister arrived in Kathmandu yesterday and is scheduled to depart tomorrow.

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu

21 August 2015