The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, has reinforced the institution’s growing international engagement by holding a series of high-level courtesy meetings with ambassadors representing the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Republic of Cuba, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the People’s Republic of China.

The diplomatic engagements reflected the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, expanding international cooperation and promoting South–South partnerships that support Africa’s development agenda, political dialogue and global solidarity.

Throughout the meetings, both the Pan-African Parliament and the visiting diplomatic missions reaffirmed their shared commitment to deeper institutional collaboration, stronger political engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Venezuela and Pan-African Parliament Commit to Stronger Parliamentary Cooperation

The Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to South Africa, H.E. Carlos Feo Acevedo, described his meeting with President Dr. Fateh Boutbig as an important milestone in strengthening the historic friendship and cooperation between Venezuela and the African continent.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ambassador Feo Acevedo expressed appreciation for the solidarity extended by President Boutbig following the devastating earthquakes that recently affected Venezuela.

“We are deeply grateful and honoured to have met with the President of the Pan-African Parliament, who expressed his solidarity regarding the devastating earthquakes suffered by our country,” he said.

The Ambassador said both parties agreed to strengthen relations between the Pan-African Parliament, the Venezuelan Parliament and the people of Venezuela by transforming their shared commitments into practical cooperation.

He further emphasised the importance of expanding collaboration between Africa, Venezuela, Latin America and the Caribbean, noting that stronger parliamentary engagement would contribute to development, solidarity and improved living conditions for their respective peoples.

The meeting reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to advancing parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening South–South cooperation.

Cuba and Pan-African Parliament Seek Enhanced Institutional Collaboration

President Boutbig also welcomed the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to South Africa, H.E. Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, for discussions focused on strengthening ties between the Pan-African Parliament and Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power.

Ambassador Rodríguez Pinelo described the discussions as productive and highlighted opportunities for expanded parliamentary cooperation built upon the longstanding historical relationship between Cuba and Africa.

“We are very pleased to have had this exchange with the President. We held a very good conversation about the collaboration and cooperation that can be developed between the Pan-African Parliament and the Cuban Parliament,” he said.

He noted that the proposed partnership builds upon decades of cooperation, solidarity and shared struggles for liberation that have defined relations between Cuba and many African countries.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that the engagement would mark the beginning of meaningful institutional cooperation while reaffirming Cuba’s appreciation for the warm reception extended by President Boutbig.

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Reaffirms Shared African Priorities

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to South Africa, H.E. Abah El-Med Abdallah, also paid a courtesy visit to President Dr. Fateh Boutbig.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Abdallah described the discussions as constructive and centred on issues of common political interest between the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and the Pan-African Parliament.

“It was a pleasure to meet the President of the Pan-African Parliament. During our discussions, we agreed on many issues that will shape the future of our relationship,” he said.

Ambassador Abdallah expressed confidence in President Boutbig’s leadership and emphasised the importance of African institutions continuing to champion justice, liberation and solidarity.

He also reiterated the principle of African solutions to African problems, highlighting the responsibility of continental institutions to address Africa’s political challenges through unity, dialogue and collective action.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining close engagement and strengthening future cooperation.

China and Pan-African Parliament Expand Strategic Partnership

President Boutbig’s diplomatic engagements also included a courtesy meeting with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, H.E. Wu Peng.

Ambassador Wu reaffirmed China’s commitment to building a strong working relationship between China’s National People’s Congress and the Pan-African Parliament.

“The Chinese Government and the National People’s Congress are committed to establishing a close relationship with the Pan-African Parliament,” Ambassador Wu said.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across political engagement, economic development, trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations.

According to Ambassador Wu, both sides reached fruitful outcomes and agreed to pursue practical follow-up actions.

He further highlighted the Pan-African Parliament’s strategic role in strengthening China–Africa relations and supporting the continent’s economic and social development.

“The Pan-African Parliament can play a very important role in strengthening China–Africa relations. It can also make an even greater contribution to promoting economic and social development across the African continent,” he stated.

China also reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Pan-African Parliament in advancing Africa’s development priorities through practical cooperation and mutual support.

Parliamentary Diplomacy Driving Africa’s International Partnerships

The series of courtesy meetings demonstrates the Pan-African Parliament’s growing role as a platform for parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement.

By strengthening institutional partnerships with legislatures and governments across Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, the Pan-African Parliament continues to position itself as a key continental institution advancing political dialogue, solidarity, economic cooperation and sustainable development.

Under the leadership of President H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, the Pan-African Parliament continues to expand its global partnerships while reinforcing Africa’s voice within the international parliamentary community.

As these diplomatic engagements progress into practical cooperation, they are expected to contribute to stronger inter-parliamentary relations, increased South–South collaboration and shared efforts to promote peace, development and prosperity across Africa and its international partners.