Pretoria, 18 August 2022 (TDI): Emirati Minister of the State, Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met with South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on 18 August.
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At the meeting, the Emirati Minister passed the greetings of the King of the UAE and the Vice President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the South African President.
The King and Vice President of Dubai also sent their good wishes of progress and prosperity to the President and the people of South Africa.
In response, President Ramaphosa also sent his regards and best wishes to the King and Vice President of Dubai. He sent good wishes for further advancement and prosperity for Dubai.
Also read: UAE Foreign Minister receives Zambian Counterpart
Agenda of the meeting
President Ramaphosa and Minister Nahyan discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the UAE, as known as Dubai, and South Africa. They also discussed ways to deepen the relations in many fields, especially in economic and investment fields.
Furthermore, the Emirati Minister also visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation. He was later briefed on the projects and programs of the foundation.
Some of these projects include the Mandela archive restoration project, which the UAE supports. This project is also monitored by the UAE Embassy in Pretoria.
Bilateral relations between the UAE and South Africa
South Africa and the UAE share friendly relations established in 1994. Furthermore, the first joint commission between the two countries took place in Abu Dhabi in August 2015.
South Africa has contributed greatly to the rapid growth of Dubai. Approximately 100 South African companies are operating in the UAE.
The UAE on the other hand has also South Africa’s importer in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. It is also a great export market for South African goods. Some of these goods include valuable metals, Iron/steel products, fruits, and vegetables.
The South African Business Council (SABCO) facilitates the growth of business opportunities and social interactions between the two countries. There have also been frequent presidential visits between the two countries since 1994.
The South African Embassy and a Consulate General in Abu Dhabi represent the South African government.
Furthermore, the countries have signed many treaties, particularly economic treaties. Some of these treaties include the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, the Income Tax Act, the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, and the Extradition Treaty.
