Saudi Arabia
14 March 2007
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 comprising 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.
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
14 March 2007
