Doha: Qatar and South Africa’s distinct ties and cooperation have grown significantly over recent years.
Relations have become more diverse since South African President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Doha in 2012 which boosted them to new prospects by the signing of agreements in various fields, including energy, construction, agriculture and infrastructure development.
Zuma’s two-day visit to Qatar from today reflects the keenness of both leaderships to develop partnership, Qatar News Agency report.
Relationship also witnessed a growth in various fields through the frequency of visits between officials of the two countries, and through their cooperation in order to serve the interests of the two countries, especially in trade, economic and investment fields as well as in the field of energy and other critical areas. South Africa and Qatar enjoy good relations dating back to 1994 after the exclusion of the South Africa apartheid regime. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have developed with visits at the highest level which contributed to the signing of agreements and unifying visions on international peace and security issues.
Both countries have consensus political visions for achieving security and stability in the African Continent, and through South Africa’s leading position in the African Union and its organisations, Qatar contributes to efforts to resolve conflicts in Africa, including its mediation to resolve the crisis in Darfur. Doha is also hosting African officials to discuss its mediation and support in resolving conflicts and crises in Nigeria and Djibouti, and its relief and humanitarian role in Somalia, Niger, the Comoros and other countries.
South Africa agrees with Qatar’s efforts to reach a peaceful solution in Syria and lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian people out of the national reconciliation experience, founded by the late President Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
South Africa has confirmed its commitment to the success of the State of Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup and shown willingness to transfer its experience in the organisation of the 2010 World Cup to Qatar.
South Africa was also an important stop of the campaign of Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Cultural Adviser at the Emiri Diwan and candidate for the post of Unesco Director-General.
Qatar is the seventh trade partner of South Africa in the Middle East region. Trade exchange has reached more than 2bn rand from 1bn rand in 2012.
The Peninsula
