Fifteen years ago on this day, April 27, in the year 1994, the first democratic elections were held in the new South Africa. It is on this day that we, as South Africans, celebrate with joy our hard-won freedom and work to realize our vision of a better life for all.

Much has been achieved in the past 15 years in transforming South Africa, although much still remains to be done. Progress has been uneven in some of the different facets of the lives of South Africans, but there is no doubt that freedom has given us the opportunity to move South Africa away from the injustices of the past and deal with the legacy of apartheid, opening new opportunities in the quest for a better life for all South Africans. It is through this freedom that we have had the opportunity to hold another successful general election in South Africa on April 22, 2009.

South Africa is an amazing country, incredibly beautiful, with vibrant, warm-hearted and highly talented people eager to realize their potential. It is truly alive with opportunity and possibility.

Economic and tourism opportunities abound in South Africa: We are a modern, diverse, economically stable and innovative country with an advanced infrastructure and a well-developed financial, economic and legal system. Our companies are globally competitive and, in some instances, are world leaders in their fields, for example in the mining sector and in coal-to-fuel technology.

South Africa offers an attractive investment environment and we are a growing and dependable trade partner. Our numerous and diverse tourism sites are world-renowned and we continue to be amongst the leaders in tourism growth figures. South Africa is also gaining popularity as a venue for hosting mega events and conventions, amongst others, the World Conference Against Racism, World Symposium on Sustainable Development, FIFA Confederations Cup (June 14, 2009) and FIFA 2010 World Cup (June 11, 2010).

South Africa is privileged to enjoy a warm and close relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its peoples. Both politically and economically our ties are strong, and we look forward to developing them still further. Saudi Arabia is one of South Africa’s top trading partners, but in fact there is much room for expanding and diversifying economic ties. Both countries are leaders in their respective regions, and both have ambitious socio-economic development plans. There are, therefore, extensive possibilities for engagement in each other’s development projects.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Saudi Arabia are promoted within the framework of a joint commission that focuses on a bid to strengthen trade, investment and bilateral relations. In February this year we welcomed a high-level Saudi delegation to South Africa for the Third South Africa-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission. During this visit, areas of cooperation in many sectors were examined, including trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, mining and energy, developmental cooperation, tourism, science and technology, education, transport and ICT. Also, the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Business Council discussed their program of action.

South Africa has over the last year become more significant to the region as it is a hub for economic activities on the African continent and is the financial powerhouse of the continent. South African investments into Africa have increased dramatically in the mineral resources sector. South Africa is a strong supporter of the African Union’s vision of an integrated and united continent, and we look to the Kingdom for continued support for the African Union’s main socio-economic development framework, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

The South African expatriate community in Saudi Arabia numbers close to 5,000, and plays a pivotal role in the promotion of people-to-people relations, contributing to strengthened relations, both political and economic, between the two countries.

In 2010, South Africa will host one of the world’s premier sporting events, the FIFA World Cup, and we look forward to welcoming the world to South Africa for the first football World Cup to be held on the African continent. The way things are going in the qualifying stages, we might even have the pleasure of welcoming the Saudi Arabian football team to the finals!

South Africa awaits you!