Congratulatory Remarks by Ms Sue van der Merwe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs on occasion of Saudi Arabia National Day Celebration, Sheraton Hotel, 10 September 2007

Your Excellency Mr Faisal Moalla, Charge d’ Affaires of Saudi Arabia
Ambassadors and High Commissioners
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

The celebration of a country's national day is always an important occasion, because it provides an opportunity to look back at a nation's history, its current dynamics and vision for the future. On the 77 th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I feel honoured to present my best wishes to the Government and people of Saudi Arabia, who are represented in South Africa with such distinction by the Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. Faisal Moalla, and his staff. On behalf of our Government and the people of South Africa, I wish to convey to you our congratulations and the sincere good wish on the celebration of your country’s National Day. We are all witness to the tremendous efforts by your country to create a physical, economic and human infrastructure which would serve your people well in a constantly changing environment.

Since the normalisation of our diplomatic relations in 1994, the principles on which South Africa's relations with Saudi Arabia have been based are economic, social and cultural progress. This is why the South African political leadership, as well as people from all walks of life, are forging increasingly close links with the Kingdom, all in the pursuit of the well-being of people at home and of the peoples of our respective regions.

It is gratifying to note that bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have developed both in scope and depth over the past few years. In the past year, we have had significant interaction at all levels - political, economic and cultural. Various official visits have taken place, the most important of which was the President’s working visit to the Kingdom in March this year. We are hoping for these to be sustained and look forward to a visit to South Africa by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, who has already accepted an invitation from Minister Dlamini Zuma. We are also in the process of negotiating important agreements that will facilitate business, cultural, educational and scientific interaction.

The Second Meeting of the Saudi-South Africa Joint Bilateral Commission in Riyadh in March 2006 also paved the way for strengthening our existing bilateral economic ties. South Africa is looking forward to hosting the next meeting of the Joint Commission early next year and to reciprocate the hospitality given to our delegation last year. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are establishing the building blocks for a structurally firm and mutually beneficial relationship within which our people can do business, share their cultures, do research together and learn from each other.

Both South African and Saudi Arabian trade and retail companies have made significant strides in promoting bilateral investments in these respective areas. Bilateral trade is gaining momentum and has increased by at least 12 per cent every year since 2003. W e would obviously also like to see Saudi Arabian companies taking advantage of the opportunities in investing in the infrastructure projects that will be rolled out over the next few years, particularly for the World Cup Soccer event in 2010.

Another important feature of our relations is the journey to Saudi Arabia of thousands of South Africa Muslim pilgrims, who perform the Hajj and Umrah every year. We pay tribute to His Royal Highness, King Abdullah, as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and we deeply appreciate the hospitality and care with which the pilgrims from South Africa have been received through the years.

We are confident that the interaction of Saudi Arabia as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC with Africa will encourage all members of this Organisation to share, through NEPAD, the vision of Africa's development and reintegration into the world economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank the Chargé d’ Affaires and his staff for this sumptuous function. I am told that there is an Arabic saying to the effect that if you are not hospitable, you shouldn’t bother opening a restaurant. I’m sure the guests here today will agree that the hospitality we are being offered is proof of the legendary Arab generosity, and to the prospects for our further collaboration and the strengthening of our friendship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This function takes place just a few days before the onset of the holy month of Ramadan. Let me therefore also wish all Muslims "Ramadan Mubaarak".

On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, it now gives me great pleasure and a special sense of pride to wish His Royal Highness, King Abdullah, the Government and all the people of Saudi Arabia, good health, peace, prosperity and success for the future.

Shukran - I thank you!