DOHA: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of South Africa HE Cyril Ramaphosa held an official talks session at the Amiri Diwan, on Wednesday.
At the outset of the session, HH the Amir welcomed President Ramaphosa and his accompanying delegation, noting the visit comes in light of the shared keenness of His Highness and the President to consolidate cooperation between the two countries in various sectors. HH the Amir also expressed his satisfaction with the current level of relations between the two countries, which paves the way for further cooperation and bilateral partnership in the future.
HH the Amir pointed out that the outstanding relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of South Africa are an extension of years of mutual collaboration, constructive cooperation, and mutual respect. In this context, he pointed out that the two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them next year.
For his part, President Ramaphosa expressed his profound appreciation to HH the Amir for the warm reception extended to him and his accompanying delegation, pointing to the progress witnessed in bilateral relations across various fields and looking forward to further enhancing these relations into broader horizons.
During the session, they discussed the relations between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, energy, investment, and education. Additionally, they discussed several issues of mutual interest, especially the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, regional and international diplomatic efforts calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians in Gaza, and serious efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace for the Palestinian issue fundamentally and conclusively to ensure security and stability in the region.
HH the Amir and the president of South Africa witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the two governments, including a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of education, a memorandum of understanding for bilateral cooperation in empowering women and persons with disabilities, and a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations.
The session and signing ceremony were attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Chief of the Amiri Diwan HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Head of the State Security HE Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Minister of Municipality HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE EngSaad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family HE Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi along with several Their Excellencies senior officials.
On the South African side, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation DrNaledi Pandor, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and several Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying the President attended the session and signing ceremony.
Also, HH the Amir and the President of South Africa held a bilateral meeting where they discussed the overall cooperation between the two countries, in addition to addressing several issues of mutual interest.
HH the Amir hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the President of South Africa and his accompanying delegation.The President was accorded an official reception ceremony upon his arrival at the Amiri Diwan.