Saudi Arabia was with South Africans during its freedom struggle and ties with the Kingdom are growing stronger even today, Shoayb Casoo, the consul general of South Africa, said on Monday.

The newly-appointed diplomat was speaking on the occasion of that country’s 21st Independence Day celebrations at a hotel here.

“Over the years, our bilateral relations and international cooperation have grown stronger. More than 50 young South African nationals are studying in the Islamic University of Madinah and many of our young nationals are living in Jeddah and enjoying the Kingdom’s hospitality,” he said.

Casoo and his wife Amina welcomed the chief guest, Atia Osman Al Hadban, assistant director of protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, businessmen and other dignitaries.

The national anthems of South Africa and Saudi Arabia marked the beginning of the celebrations.

“It is truly inspiring. it reminds me of former President Mandela when he was speaking in1994. We are now tirelessly working to rebuild a nation that was torn apart by centuries of colonialism and racial domination, ,” he said.

Casoo offered his condolences to everyone affected by Saturday’s earthquake in Nepal and its neighboring countries.