Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 26-09-2018
Police Minister Bheki Cele says South Africa needs to acknowledge the leading role Saudi Arabia took amongst the Arab world in its principled and moral opposition against the injustices caused by apartheid.
Cele was speaking during the 88th National Saudi day in Pretoria on Tuesday night.
The day is celebrated to commemorate the renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a royal decree from King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1932.
Cele says South Africa’s friendship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is treasured, based on mutual interests, trust and respect.
“We give our thanks to the Kingdom, for the active engagement in our freedom and liberation and as the ultimate attraction of the will of the South African nation.”
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to South Africa Ghorm Said Malhan says while celebrating the 88th National Saudi Day, it is important to acknowledge the historical relations between Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
“This relation has been built from the start, from mutual respect and commonalities. The seeds of cooperation were planted in 1994 when the former and icon President Nelson Mandela went on an official visit to Saudi Arabia.”
Speaking about the successful 2018 hajj season, Malhan says Saudi Arabia is honoured to host and serve the pilgrims and visitors to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina emphasising that more than 4,000 South Africans performed Hajj this year.
Listen to the address of Ambassador Ghorm Said Malhan
Listen to the address of Bheki Cele
0 Comments