The Palestine Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Attalla Qubia has been appointed Special Representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Attalla Qubia presented his Letter of Credentials to the COMESA Secretary General Mr Sindiso Ngwenya at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka on 16th June 2009.

In a letter signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Riyad Al Maliki, to COMESA Secretary General, the Minister praised COMESA’s contribution to Africa’s integration as well as Mr Ngwenya’s personal efforts put in COMESA’s development “ we would like to present on behalf of the people and leadership of Palestine and on my own behalf, to your esteemed organization and its members our utmost gratitude and deep appreciation for your great efforts that have been put into COMESA that provides benefits to the development of the continent of Africa” the letter read in part.

Accepting the Credentials Secretary General Ngwenya, said COMESA supports Palestinians because they have a just cause. “Palestine has the right to self determination, and are entitled to an independent State” He called upon developed countries to help rebuild Palestine. Mr Ngwenya added that it is positive to note that even Israel has started talking about an independent Palestinian state.

Palestine becomes the 13th country to appoint a special representative to COMESA. Others are : (in alphabetical order) Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands ,Russia, Sweden and United State of America.