Visit to the UAE by South African President reinvigorates friendship and historic ties
▶ Cyril Ramaphosa’s presence in Abu Dhabi affirms nations’ relations and prospects for greater co-operation
State visit by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, marks the beginning of the latest chapter in the long-standing relations between his country and the UAE, the two countries said.
“President Ramaphosa’s first visit to the UAE constitutes a step in further enriching the strong bilateral ties between the two countries,” their statement read, according to state news agency Wam.
The South African leader was in the UAE to discuss trade, investment and review economic and cultural opportunities to help achieve sustainable development.
On arrival in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Mr Ramaphosa was received by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
An official reception ceremony was held at the airport, where the national anthems of the UAE and South Africa were played, along with the firing of 21 artillery rounds to greet the country’s guest.
Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Ramaphosa discussed ways of enhancing co-operation between their countries, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The UAE aims to create partnerships with African countries, but Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the UAE has prioritised its ties with South Africa, which is an important and effective partner in the African continent.
Both countries are leading regional and international symbols of tolerance and openness. Sheikh Mohammed wished South Africa greater development, progress and prosperity, and Mr Ramaphosa with luck and success in leading the modernisation of his country, while Mr Ramaphosa expressed his happiness at visiting the UAE.
The president and his delegation also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Wahat Al Karama, the Abu Dhabi landmark designed to commemorate the sacrifices and heroic deeds of the UAE’s martyrs.
Mr Ramaphosa attended the Guard of Honour ceremony, then laid a wreath at the monument that was made up of 31 panels leaning on one another in a symbol of solidarity between the leadership, people and soldiers of the UAE.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, received Lindiwe Sisulu, his South African counterpart, at the ministry premises. Mohammed Al Bawardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, received Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, his South African counterpart, and military veterans at Emirates Palace on Friday. They discussed ways of boosting military partnerships.
The UAE applauded South Africa’s positive role in supporting peace and stability on the African continent and the two sides pledged to work closely together.
Since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1994, the UAE and South Africa have maintained vibrant economic and trade relations.
“Non-oil foreign trade between the two countries saw a marked increase of 23 per cent last year to US$3.2 billion from $2.6bn in 2016, boosted by UAE re-exports to South Africa,” said Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy.
The visit this year also marks the centenary of the birth of Sheikh Zayed, Founding Father of the UAE, and Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.