Iftar brings ASEAN and South Africa closer

26 April 2022

Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) for South Africa graced Iftar, the Muslim custom of breaking fast during the holy month of Ramaadaan, hosted by High Commissioner Mohamad Nizan Mohamad of Malaysia on behalf of the ASEAN Pretoria Committee (APC) held on 23 April 2022.

The occasion at the Malaysian Residence in Pretoria was attended by the Heads of Mission of the APC namely Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Myanmar is the current chair of the seven of the 10 countries of the ASEAN regional block represented here in South Africa.

Sindiswa Mququ, Acting DDG and Director of Asia Pacific at Dirco accompanied Minister Pandor. High Commssioner Mohamad thanked the Minister for making the event memorable for all the spouses and families at the event, a first for the APC to have a Minister present at Iftar.

A variety of Malaysian cuisine as well as South African local food and treats were prepared and served for the guests to enjoy and give thanks in this holy month. "Hopefully this kind of event will continue to be celebrated annually to better enhance relations between our two regions,” said Mohamad.