Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 25-09-2019
The acting ambassador for the Saudi Arabian Embassy in South Africa says the deep relationship between the Kingdom and South Africa continues to thrive since the advent of democracy in 1994.
Hisham Aldowayan was speaking during the 89th anniversary of the national day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Guests at the Saudi National Day included ambassadors from various countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, China, Indonesia and UAE amongst others.
Aldowayan says the Saudi-South Africa relationship has developed over the last few years.
“The most beautiful development was to create a successful visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in July last year, in which the Kingdom has committed to invest $10 billion in the South African economy.”
The International Relations Department’s (Dirco) Obed Bapela says the histories of Saudi Arabia and South Africa show there are many similarities between the two countries.
Bapela says the celebration of Saudi Arabia’s national day takes place in the year in which South Africa celebrates 25 years of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.
“Since 1994 our two countries continue to maintain strong political and economic bilateral relations. Today, South Africa views the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an important and influential partner in the Middle East, Africa and in the international forum.”
He says South Africa and Saudi Arabia also have strong cultural connections through the Muslim community with many embarking on the journey of Hajj and Umrah.
Bapela also says South Africa is looking forward to a state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Listen to the speech by Hisham Aldowayan
Listten to the speech by Obed Bapela
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