Qatar, South Africa Build on Decades of Fruitful Strategic Partnership

Qatari-South African ties are based on strong pillars of fruitful strategic partnership, mutual trust and diverse cooperation in renewable and growing paths to serve bilateral relations between the two countries and the interests of Africa and the Arab region, culminating in an economic diplomacy that plays a constructive role in boosting ties of common concern.
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to South Africa has a historic dimension as it is HH's first since assuming power in 2013 and will, in turn, enhance the history of ties via a set of fruitful agreements and favorable channels to explore the prospects of investment and economic opportunities in different sectors such as infrastructure, and the possibility of setting up a variety of projects, in addition to new agreements that are notably related to waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special passports and exchanging experts in the health sector.
Qatar Investment Authority will have a presence during the visit in order to learn about investment opportunities in ocean economy, which include fishing, shipping and infrastructure projects at South Africa's coasts.At the political and economic levels, the past few years witnessed a noticeable progress in relations between Qatar and South Africa that saw diversity in the fields of trade, economy and services through regulating agreements for coordination and cooperation such as agreements on establishing diplomatic ties, economic cooperation, encouraging and mutual protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation and financial evasion, bilateral air services, and enhancing two-way investments, in addition to agreements in other fields such as policing, arts and culture, which showed the depth of trust between the two countries and keenness on boosting it. 
The visit of South African President Jacob Zuma to Doha in 2012 was a major milestone in the march of bilateral relations as it witnessed the signing of several agreements in different fields, including water, energy, construction, agriculture and infrastructure, embodying the keenness of both countries on building sustainable strategic partnerships of mutual benefit.
President Zuma's visit was not the first by a South African head of state to Doha though; historic leader Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki being the others, which shows the strength of ties throughout the years.
Relations between the two countries date back to 1994 after South Africa was liberated from Apartheid segregation system. Diplomatic ties developed, with South Africa opening its embassy in Doha in 2003, while officials exchanged visits in different sectors so as to unite visions in issues such as international security and peace, which reflected on the stability of Africa. The last of these visits came in March 2017 when HE Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani visited South Africa. Such visits had a positive impact on promoting bilateral and strategic ties and taking them to ambitious levels through joint consultations between the two countries.
In the context of supporting stability in Africa, Qatar had significant and wise contributions that aimed at settling conflicts there, helping in solving the crisis in Darfur, receiving African officials asking for its mediation to settle conflicts in Nigeria and Djibouti in addition to its humanitarian and relief role in Somalia, Niger and Comoros.
Visions of both countries meet in terms of peace, justice and good for all peoples of the world and in issues including the need for a peaceful settlement in Syria and lifting the blockade on the Palestinian people, drawing inspiration from the national reconciliation experience of former leader Mandela that was based on dialogue among all parties without discrimination. 
South Africa is keen on the success of Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup, where on many occasions it has expressed willingness to pass on its experience with organizing the event, especially considering the ongoing talks with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in order to exchange expertise on keeping the spectators safe during the event. 
In addition, South Africa was an important stop for HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, advisor at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar's candidate for the director-general post at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In South Africa, the candidate met with senior officials in Pretoria and presented his campaign platform at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which calls for forgiveness and renounces racism and violence. 
Qatar and South Africa work towards lifting all obstacles facing joint and mutual investments as well as granting facilitations to attract investors and prosper relations between Qatari and South African businessmen to succeed in their different investments such as foodstuffs. Cooperation in the fields of energy and liquefied natural gas between both countries is also well developed. 
Qatar is the seventh trade partner to South Africa in the Middle East, where trade volume is valued at nearly $500 million. South African exports to Qatar include chemicals and basic metals for plant products, medical equipment and devices, vehicles, aircraft, ships and transport equipment. On the other hand, South Africa imports mineral products from Qatar as well as chemicals and plastics. The joint investment volume between both countries is valued at $13.5 billion. In addition, Qatar Airways schedules three flights daily to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. 
The banking system in South Africa is modern and developed and is considered one of the biggest in Africa. It is also a gateway and home for many international companies' headquarters, making it an encouraging and attractive investment environment. As an example, Doha Bank has opened a branch in South Africa, while several Qatari businessmen have investments there. 
South Africa invests in Qatar through Sasol Oryx GTL to convert Qatari gas to diesel, and Qatar Chamber hosted a South African businessmen delegation to develop trade and economy cooperation relations between businessmen from both countries, especially in the agriculture, industry and food security fields. Nearly 6,000 South Africans live in Qatar, working in different sectors such as education, nursing, engineering, banking and physical training. South Africa's population of more than 54 million come from several origins, making it one of the most diverse African nations.

Source: QNA