Belarus’ parliamentary delegation on working visit to South Africa

The delegation of the National Assembly of Belarus led by Chairman of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko has begun a working visit to South Africa, BelTA has learned.

Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament Djidda Mamar Mahamat welcomed Igor Sergeyenko at O.R. Tambo International Airport. He told the Belarusian parliament speaker about the preparations for the session of the Pan-African Parliament, that will open on 4 November, as well as about the challenges the organization is facing.

Djidda Mamar Mahamat believes that the visit of the Belarusian delegation will give a fresh impetus to cooperation between one of the most important structures of the African Union and the Republic of Belarus.

The Pan-African Parliament plays an important role in African political life. It is a body of the African Union. Forging contacts with the National Assembly of Belarus will help set in motion a meaningful political dialogue with all members of the African Union. Both parties emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool to facilitate cooperation across the board.

A reminder, the delegation of the National Assembly of Belarus led by Speaker of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko is set to visit Midrand, South Africa on 4-5 November at the invitation of Chairman of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Fortune Charumbira to take part in the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament. For the first time in history, the Belarusian parliament will be given the opportunity to speak at the official opening ceremony of the PAP session. The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus and the PAP are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation, according to which the Belarusian parliament will be granted an observer status of this organization.  

The program of the visit also includes meetings of Speaker of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko with the leadership of the PAP, the National Assembly of South Africa, heads of parliamentary delegations of African countries.