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President Thabo Mbeki Concludes Working Visit to the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia Riyadh - South African President Thabo Mbeki, today
Wednesday 14 March 2007 concluded his two day working visit to Riyadh, the capital
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. President Mbeki, accompanied by Mrs. Zanele
Mbeki, led a South African delegation Ministers Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Mosiuoa
Lekota, Mandisi Mpahlwa and Buyelwa Sonjica, senior government officials and a
business delegation. The visit took place in the context of South Africa's
commitment to strengthening and consolidating relations with the countries of
the Gulf with a view to increasing the flow of investment and economic interaction
to ensure a faster and shared economic growth in South Africa
Whilst
in Riyadh, President Mbeki met His Royal Highness King Abullah bin Abdulaziz Al
-Saud. Among issues discussed between the principals, were the status of bilateral,
political and economic relations between the two countries. President Mbeki and
the King also exchanged views on the Middle East with a particular focus on Iraq
and Iran as well as the Palestinian situation. As part of strengthening
economic links between the two countries, President Mbeki and his delegation also
met senior Saudi government officials including the Chairperson of the Kingdom
Holdings, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz and the Secretary General of
the Gulf Co-operation Council Mr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyeh. An agreement
on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the prevention of tax evasion agreement
was signed between the South African and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Represented
by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and His Excellency.
Mr Ibrahim Walaz. President Mbeki and delegation also paid a courtesy call
on the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
and also held discussions with Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, the Chairman of the Shoura
Council. President Mbeki also had an opportunity to interact with Saudi
business hosted by the Council of Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the
Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority. Saudi Arabia is a major supplier of
crude oil to South Africa. During the interactive session Saudi Arabians indicated
a keen interest in investing in South Africa which would increase Foreign Direct
Investment into South Africa. Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 Department
of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001, 14 March 2007
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