South Africans celebrate Freedom Day

The South African Consulate in Jeddah celebrated the nation’s 19th Freedom Day on Saturday.
Consul General Ebrahim Edries praised the role of the Saudi government toward South Africa in times of need, and the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries. The good relations were underscored by the almost doubling of total trade in 2012, he said.
“Through the determination of our national icon former President Nelson Mandela and other leaders we confronted our challenges head-on to emerge victoriously. This journey could not have been possible without the support of many countries, especially Saudi Arabia,” he said.
South Africa increased its oil imports from about SR 15 billion in 2011 to almost 30 billion in 2012. Experts from various government departments will travel to South Africa in June 2013 to lay the groundwork for a visit to South Africa later in the year by the Minister of Trade and Commerce Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
“We are also hopeful that the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry will visit South Africa at the head of a business delegation. Moreover we are working with our Saudi partners to build closer cultural and sporting ties.
It is our intention to invite cyclists from the Jeddah Cycling Club to participate in a race in South Africa,” he said.
In terms of tourism, South African cities and facilities have won numerous international awards as a world-class destination.
“Our visa requirements are very straightforward and take only three days to process. All Saudis will be issued a visa when they apply,” he said.