Palestine (The State of)
History
of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel
Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info
| Currency Info | Trade Info | Visits
and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/
Organisations
History of Relations
The
establishment of full diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine was announced
on 15 February 1995. The first South African Representative to the Palestinian
National Authority took up office in August 1995. A satellite office was established
in Gaza City during June 1998. The first Palestinian Ambassador to South Africa
was accredited in April 1995.
The formalisation of diplomatic relations
gave expression to strong and long-standing ties of friendship and mutual support
between the peoples of South Africa and Palestine.
South Africa’s Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Mr Alfred B. Nzo paid an official visit to Palestine in September
1995 and signed an agreement on the establishment of a Joint Commission of Co-operation.
President
Yasser Arafat paid a State Visit to South Africa in August 1998. He also paid
working visits to South Africa on 12 April 1999, on 3 August 2000 and from 2 to
3 May 2001, the last in the context of the Ministerial meeting of the NAM Committee
on Palestine.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr F. Ginwala took part
in the "Engendering the Peace Process" initiative designed to highlight
and activate the role of women in peace making. She also paid a visit to the Palestinian
Legislative Council. This has led to a reciprocal visit to the South African Parliament
by the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Mr Ahmed Qurie.
Diplomatic
Representation
South African Representation in Palestine
H E Prof M W Makalima
Representative
The South African Representative
to the Palestinian National Authority
State of Palestine Representation
in South Africa
Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
Mr B S S Elhussiny
Embassy of the State of Palestine
Travel
Info
Visa Requirements for South Africans
No visas required.
All travel to the Palestinian Territories is controlled by Israel. Normally, travelers
who have been allowed to enter Israel may visit the Palestinian Territories without
complying with further requirements. See Israel
for entry requirements in respect of that country.
Health
Requirements
Immunisation against tetanus is recommended for
travel to rural areas.
For further information go to Travelers' Health.
Climate Info
Winters
are cool and rainy. Summers (Jun-Oct) can be very hot.
For up-to-date weather
information click here
Currency
The monetary
unit used is the New Israeli Shekel and the Jordanian Dinar (JD), the latter mainly
in the West Bank.
Exchange rates as on 17 January 2002:
R1.00 = NIS
0.39
R1.00 = JD 0.06
For current exchange rates click here
State
and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings
No Information
Bilateral
Agreements
If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0851/0837.
Trade
Info
For current information on trade statistics between South Africa
and Palestine, visit the web site of the Department
of Trade and Industry of South Africa
Interest
Groups and Information
No Information
