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Collaboration and Counterterrorism Mark the Saudi Arabian-South African Summit | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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King Salman awarding South African President Zuma with the King Abdulaziz Medal- S.P.A.


King Salman awarding South African President Zuma with the King Abdulaziz Medal- S.P.A.

King Salman awarding South African President Zuma with the King Abdulaziz Medal- S.P.A.

Riyadh- On Sunday, a Saudi-South African summit which headlined cooperation and counterterrorism was held in Riyadh.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz held an official talks-session at Al-Yamamah Palace with the South African President Jacob Zuma.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques praised the strong ties between the two countries and their people in several domains, particularly in political, economic and military fields. His Highness added that South Africa is one of the major trading partners of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the meeting, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques delivered a speech in which he welcomed both President Zuma and his accompanying delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques appreciated South Africa’s concern about the regional issues, particularly its stances towards the Palestinian cause.

“We stressed the importance of continued cooperation and consultation on international and regional issues, particularly UN reforms and the fight against terrorism and extremism,” his Highness said.

“We hope international efforts will help resolve the Syrian crisis in accordance with Geneva I decisions,” King Salman added.

“In Yemen, we hope that peace and security are achieved, and that Yemeni-Yemeni consultations sponsored by the UN will find a political solution based on UN Security Council resolution No. 2216,” said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

King Salman confirmed Riyadh’s anticipation for a greater economic partnership and increased investments.

Among those present at the palace to meet Zuma were Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar.

Besides bestowing a shield of honor to the visiting president, King Salman awarded Zuma with the King Abdulaziz Medal.

The talks- in the presence of King Salman and President Zuma- led to signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations between the Kingdom and South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir and Maite Nkoana Mashabane, South African minister of international relations and cooperation, signed the MoU.

Acknowledging South Africa’s strong political relations with Saudi Arabia, Zuma stressed that economic and commercial ties should be invigorated and restored to prime condition.

“Opportunities for mutual partnerships between our two countries are almost limitless,” he said.