League of Arab States Pretoria

18/08/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari received Ms. Marion Smith, writer and relations officer at Embassy Direct – The Ambassador’s Handbook, on Friday morning, 14 August 2026, at his office at the Mission’s headquarters in Pretoria.

During the meeting, Ms. Smith introduced the magazine’s mission and activities, and discussed media cooperation between the magazine and the Mission in a manner that contributes to highlighting Arab–South African relations and areas of cultural, academic, and economic cooperation.

The meeting also addressed ways of covering the Mission’s events aimed at building bridges of communication between the Arab world and South Africa.

18/08/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari discussed on Tuesday morning, 11 August 2026, with the administration and a number of professors at the University of South Africa (UNISA), at the university’s premises in Pretoria, the joint arrangements for organizing a workshop in October 2026 titled: “Ways to Develop Arabic Language Curricula and Teaching Methods in South Africa: Practical Approaches and Concrete Steps.”

The event will discuss the current state of Arabic language teaching for non-native speakers, curriculum development, teacher training, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence, with the participation of experts.

The workshop is expected to conclude with the issuance of the “Pretoria Recommendations,” outlining practical and implementable steps to develop Arabic language education in South Africa.

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari participated on Sunday, 9 August 2026, in the official celebration held by the Republic of South Africa at the Union Buildings in Tshwane to mark National Women’s Day and the 70th anniversary of the historic Women’s March of 1956, under the theme: “Women Empowered Empower Nations.”

The celebration highlighted the historic role of women in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, recalled the march of more than 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in 1956, and addressed issues of women’s empowerment, combating violence, and promoting equality and social justice.

18/08/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari met on Friday morning, 7 August 2026, in Pretoria, with H.E. Ambassador Sagour Youssouf Mahamat Itno, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to the Republic of South Africa.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen Arab–African relations.

18/08/2026

The Council of Arab Ambassadors held its regular monthly meeting for August on Thursday morning, 6 August 2026.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Hanan Jarrar, Chair of the Council for the month of August, and was opened by H.E. Ambassador Mahash Al Hameli, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, in the presence of Heads of Arab Diplomatic Missions and Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari, Head of the Mission of the League of Arab States.

The meeting discussed recent developments, Arab–South African relations, and ways to strengthen the role of the Council in further developing these relations. It also reviewed preparations for the Arab cultural event scheduled to be held next September.

18/08/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari participated in an interactive meeting convened by Minister Ronald Lamola with representatives of international and regional organizations. The meeting discussed challenges facing the international system, particularly respect for international law, conflicts, migration, sustainable development, and peace and security in Africa. The Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to international law and stressed the need to reform global governance to ensure fair representation for Africa and developing countries.

04/08/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari met on Tuesday morning, 4 August 2026, with H.E. Ambassador Romana Königsbrun, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to South Africa, as part of diplomatic meetings aimed at strengthening dialogue and consultation on issues of common interest.

31/07/2026

Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari received Ms. Amelia Broodryk, Acting Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), at his office in Pretoria on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

The ISS is one of Africa’s leading think tanks and strategic research institutions.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Institute and its counterparts in Arab countries in the fields of research and strategic studies, Arab–African dialogue, peacebuilding, and preventive diplomacy, in addition to exchanging expertise and organizing joint research events.

31/07/2026

H.E. Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari participated on Monday, 27 July 2026, in the opening session of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, which commenced at the headquarters of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, Republic of South Africa, in the presence of Members of the Pan-African Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, and a number of senior officials and invited guests.

This year’s session is being held under the theme: “Ensuring Sustainable Availability of Water and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063,” reflecting the commitment of African Union institutions to supporting sustainable development priorities and strengthening water security across the continent.

The opening session featured an address by H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, President of the Pan-African Parliament, followed by the swearing-in of newly elected members. The session also included a number of statements and messages of solidarity from official figures, most notably H.E. Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of South Africa, and H.E. Ambassador Hanan Jarrar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of South Africa, who delivered a message of solidarity as part of the official programme. This reflects the standing of the Palestinian cause within the institutions of the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament, and its continued presence in continental parliamentary events.

H.E. the Palestinian Ambassador delivered a comprehensive briefing on the situation in Palestine and expressed appreciation for the African position in support of the Palestinian people’s struggle against the crimes of occupation, displacement, and apartheid.

The opening session was followed by a special session dedicated to the address of H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, who spoke at length, with wisdom and transparency, on issues of importance to the African continent. He supported granting the Pan-African Parliament a legislative function and called on African countries to support this amendment under the Malabo Protocol. He also devoted part of his address to the issue of migration, presenting a balanced and wise position and calling on all parties to work together to find appropriate solutions.