JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman received Sunday South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma.

The President was also welcomed by the crown prince and

the governor of Riyadh.

King Salman held a luncheon banquet in honor of the President Zuma and his accompanying delegation.

South African President Jacob Zuma called for strengthening his country’s economic ties with Saudi Arabia.

“While our political relations with Saudi Arabia are strong, our economic and trade ties should be reviewed and revitalized,” he said in a statement.

Zuma cited agriculture, mining, infrastructure, finance, defense, gas exploration and alternative energy as sectors where cooperation could be expanded.

The South African economy has been hit by slow growth and a weak currency, which have been compounded by a drought that has resulted in higher food prices.

— With input from AFP