Media Release: Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim concludes Second Round of Bilateral Consultations in the State of Qatar

Doha, QATAR - Sunday, 1 August 2010:  Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim today, participated in the second high level Bilateral Consultations with his counterpart Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Mr Saif Muggadam Al-Buainain.

During the discussions, Deputy Minister Ebrahim commended the State of Qatar for the developments it has made in recent times, especially in terms of economic development, [this] he said “… serves as a beacon of hope for developing countries, … [and] it is my sincere hope that this meeting consolidate our existing political and economic bilateral relations, especially as we are both members of the Global South.”

During the Second Round of Bilateral Consultation Deputy Minister Ebrahim also congratulated the Assistant Minister on the State of Qatar’s constructive mediation and facilitation role it is playing in conflict situations. “This positive leadership role displays to the international community the significant impact developing countries can have in persevering to maintain and establish peace and stability” he said.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim communicated to the Assistant Minister Al-Buainain that although South Africa does not have a voting role on the FIFA governing body, South Africa supports Qatar’s 2022 bid, and would willingly share our experiences and successes.

During his official visit to the State of Qatar, Deputy Minister Ebrahim also held bilateral meetings with the Minister of State for Interior Affairs; the State of Qatar’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; and tomorrow, 2 August 2010 will conclude his visit by amongst others holding discussions with members of the Qatari Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Holdings.

Tomorrow, Deputy Minister Ebrahim departs for the State of Kuwait and will conclude his Gulf Region visit in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

For further information please contact Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on +27 82 940 1647, +27 341 0083 or email him at molobis@dirco.gov.za or Mahendra Shunmoogam on shunmoogamm@dirco.gov.za or on +27 72 613 8113.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building 
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
0001

Sunday, 1 August 2010