Qatar and South Africa enhance ties with Emir's visit

Qatari-South African ties are based on strong partnership, mutual trust and diverse cooperation to serve the interests of Africa and the Arab region, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

According to QNA the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, was on a two-day state visit to South Africa and met with President Jacob Zuma and senior members of his government.

The visit has a historic dimension as it was the Emir's first since assuming power in 2013.

The South African Presidency said that the state visit aimed to deepen and strengthen the already existing good political, economic and social relations.

"The visit by the Emir will further review progress in South Africa-Qatar bilateral political and economic relations and identify three short-term projects in the fields of trade and investment, agriculture and oceans economy," the Presidency said in a statement.

However, the visit was marred by some controversy amid reports in South African that the meeting was repeatedly rescheduled to avoid being affected by protests against Zuma.

The protests were sparked by Zuma's recent Cabinet reshuffle which saw the popular finance minister and his deputy fired.

The Emir's visit follows the successful state visit by President Zuma to the State of Qatar in May last year.

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.

Did you know?

QatarLiving.com was started, and is being managed, by South African expats!

Nando's and Ocean Basket are two popular restaurant chains from South Africa.

Currently nearly 6,000 South Africans live in Qatar.

Most South Africans here work in different sectors such as education, nursing, engineering, banking and physical training.