King Meets Mandela

Amman
12 July 2005

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday praised the African leader Nelson Mandela's efforts and strife while visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.



The King, who met the former President of South Africa, expressed his appreciation of the humanitarian efforts exerted by Mr. Mandela through his organization which carries out awareness, developmental, social, and health programs. In addition to its efforts in promoting peace and tolerance through cultural exchange.



During the meeting, Mr. Mandela affirmed the need for better education in underprivileged communities in South Africa in particular and in the African continent in general in order to develop these communities and reduce poverty.



Mr. Mandela added that investment in education is at the forefront in combating illiteracy and poverty.



In appreciation of the Nelson Mandela Foundation efforts in assisting poverty-stricken communities, His Majesty donated 50,000 U.S. dollars to the Foundation.



The meeting was attended by Their Royal Highnesses Princes Ali, Hamzah, and Hashem as well as Chief of the Royal Court Faisal Al-Fayez and Jordan's Ambassador to Pretoria Mazen Al-Tal.