Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas has conveyed his condolences to President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe following the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on Lake Kariba, which has now claimed 97 lives.
In a letter to the President, he expressed sorrow and solidarity with Zimbabwe as the nation mourns its worst transport disaster in history.
“With great sorrow, we received the sad news of capsizing of a ferry in Lake Kariba, which resulted in the drowning of many passengers who were on board,” wrote President Abbas.
“While we share with you sadness and sorrow during this human disaster, we express to Your Excellency and through you, to the families of the deceased victims and the entire friendly people of Zimbabwe, our deep heartfelt condolences, hoping for those who are missing, survival and safety, voicing our solidarity with you and wishing the brave rescue teams success in their rescue mission.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, our deep sympathies and condolences,” he wrote. The message adds to a growing list of condolences that Zimbabwe has received from across the world following the tragedy.
Countries and organisations that have expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe include South Africa, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates, China, Vatican City and the African Union.
Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, also sent a condolence message to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira.
Dr Shahin said he was “deeply saddened” by the ferry accident and extended sympathy to the Government and Zimbabweans.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Your Excellency, the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and, above all, to the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said.
Dr Shahin said Palestine’s thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families during the difficult period.
“We also pray for the safe recovery of those who remain missing and for the success of the ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
“The State of Palestine stands in full solidarity with the Republic of Zimbabwe during this painful moment. We express our sincere support and sympathy to the Zimbabwean people and share in their grief as they mourn this tragic loss,” said Dr Shahin.
