Doha: Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar H E Faizel Moosa has praised the close relations between the two countries as South Africa celebrated its Freedom Day yesterday.
South Africa has been celebrating Freedom Day on April 27 since the fall of Apartheid on the same day in 1994. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa on May 10, 1994.
“The relationship between Qatar and South Africa has over the last few years become closer as we approach the fifth bilateral consultation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar,” Ambassador Moosa said.
“During this year, we will be re-looking at our bilateral agreements, particularly in health, education, defence and climate change, which is one of the contemporary global issues.
“We have seen very good trade figures for 2020, and we hope that by 2021, we can increase that. We invite Qataris to visit our beautiful country to see the first world infrastructure that SA has in terms of roads, rail, banking, and even its justice system. As we progress towards 2022, we would like to increase our operations in the tourism sector. We are working closely with South African tourism and Qatar National Tourism Council to ensure that we assist Qatar to ensure the success of the 2022 World Cup.”
The Ambassador also commended the high-paced vaccination drive in Qatar.
“In terms of COVID-19, SA is doing fairly well now, but we are very cautious and preparing ourselves for a potential third wave. It has been a difficult road because access to these vaccinations has not been easy for African countries. We commend Qatar for its role in the vaccination programme and the rapid pace it is on to herd immunity as soon as possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the 27th Freedom Day, the Ambassador said the fall of Apartheid on April 27, 1994, marked an end to the shackles and falsehood of racial superiority.
“After 27 years, we are still striving to be a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it. Be they black or white, men or women, rural or urban dwellers, able -body or living with disabilities, regardless of their beliefs and language. Let us acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of South Africa for what it is and what it makes us as human beings.”
