JEDDAH: A joint statement was issued by Saudi Arabia and South Africa as a result of the fruitful meeting between King Salman and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in which the two leaders exchanged views on ways to develop bilateral relations and increase cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, military, business and security fields.
The two sides stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive, lasting and just solution to the Palestinian cause in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, to restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinians.
The statement also emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of Yemen, ensuring its security and stability, and of creating a political solution to the ongoing crisis on the basis of the Gulf initiative, its executive mechanism, the outcomes of Yemeni national dialogue, and Security Council Resolution 2216.
The two sides stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the conflict in Syria in accordance with Geneva Declaration 1 and Security Council Resolution 2254 to end the suffering of the Syrian people, and of preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief work to Syrian refugees in Syria and beyond.
The two sides also expressed their support for the efforts of the Iraqi government to combat terrorism in the country — which, the statement said, represents a threat to all Iraqis; to maintain Iraq’s unity and territorial integrity; and to stop foreign interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.
They also stressed the importance of supporting the Lebanese state and of disarming all terrorist organizations affecting Lebanon.
In their joint communique, Saudi Arabia and South Africa also stressed the need for joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in all its forms; the need to respect the sovereignty of states and not interfere in their internal affairs; and the need to stand against any actions by any country to destabilize the countries of the Middle East in general and the Gulf region in particular.
Ramaphosa also attended the Saudi-South African Business Meeting in Jeddah, organized by the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC).
During his speech, he stressed the need for further cooperation to increase bilateral trade and joint investments in economic projects and infrastructure, and to provide facilities and incentives for such investments.
He expressed his wish to see Saudi investors in South Africa, and more cooperation between businessmen in both countries.
Saudi Trade and Investment Minister Dr. Majid Al-Qassabi invited the business community to promote economic, trade and industrial relations between the two countries.
CSC President Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Obaidi said: “We look forward to both countries leveraging investment and trade opportunities so as to turn them into successful partnerships.”
Saudi Arabia has a vision that includes “substantial reforms that contribute to enhancing trade exchanges and attracting more domestic and foreign investments, thus opening broad prospects for cooperation with international partners,” Al-Obaidi added.
Later, Ramaphosa and his accompanying delegation paid a visit to the historical old city of Jeddah, accompanied by the Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Majid Al-Qassabi, the Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, and the Minister of State for African Affairs Ahmed Qattan.
On Friday, Ramaphosa left Jeddah for the UAE. He was seen off from King Abdul Aziz International Airport by Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal bin Majid, Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa Gharm bin Saeed Al-Mulhan, and a number of officials.
