Lebanon and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral diplomatic ties, said a statement issued by Lebanon's Council of Ministers.

The MoU was signed during a meeting between visiting South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Candith Mashego-Dlamini and Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati.

Following the meeting, South African Ambassador to Lebanon Barry Philip Gelder expressed his country's gratitude for Mikati's support for the efforts to develop diplomatic, political, and economic relations between the two countries.

"The prime minister welcomed this visit which aims to develop political and economic relations. He also commended South Africa for its support of the Palestinian cause and its support for Lebanon at the United Nations," Gelder said.