Council of Arab Ambassadors host ANC Leadership
18 February 2026
The Council of Arab Ambassadors in South Africa, on Tuesday 17 February 2026, hosted Mr. Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), along with a senior party delegation.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador Hanan Jarrar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine and Deputy Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Ali Achoui, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and current Chair of the Council and Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari, Head of the Mission of the League of Arab States.
They welcomed the distinguished guest and underscored the strong historical and contemporary ties between the Arab States and South Africa.
Mr. Fikile Mbalula outlined the ANC’s positions on domestic and foreign policy, reaffirming South Africa’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to expanding cooperation with Arab countries. The Arab Ambassadors, in their interventions, commended South Africa’s role in promoting peace and justice and congratulated the country on successfully hosting the G20 Summit.
Both sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to strengthening dialogue and enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, mining, manufacturing, food security, education and tourism, reiterating their shared determination to advance the Arab–South African partnership to broader horizons.
Mission of the League of Arab States in South Africa