JEDDAH: It is the day to remember that freedom is a fundamental right, a right to be cherished and nurtured, said South African Consul General Shoayb Casoo during the country’s 22nd Freedom Day function here recently.
“Each year, we recommit ourselves to this vision of a free, non-racist, non-sexist and democratic society,” he said.
Casoo and his wife Amina Casso welcomed the guests for the reception, which was attended by Sami Jamil, head of protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Makkah region); Ambassador Ali Mohammed Al-Ayashi, dean of Consular Corps and Issa Oumarou, dean of the Africa Group.
Members of the South African Haj establishment, Jeddah’s diplomatic community, Saudi businessmen and media figures as well as the South African community members were also present on the occasion.
Casoo said this year’s commemoration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the final draft of the Constitution into law and the adoption of the Bill of Rights. These laid the foundation for a democratic and open society, in which government is based on the will of the people, he said.
Casoo thanked the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their support and cooperation in the past 22 years.
“We believe that such partnerships hold the key to successful development. We are therefore delighted by the progress we are making in building the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership.”
Recalling Zuma’s March 27 visit, Casoo said the president was warmly received by Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman, who bestowed on him the honor of the first order, the King Abdulaziz Medal. The gesture is highly appreciated,” he said.
He said that both the countries have much to benefit from each other, with co-operation in areas of agriculture, energy, health care and industrial development.
“Each year, we recommit ourselves to this vision of a free, non-racist, non-sexist and democratic society,” he said.
Casoo and his wife Amina Casso welcomed the guests for the reception, which was attended by Sami Jamil, head of protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Makkah region); Ambassador Ali Mohammed Al-Ayashi, dean of Consular Corps and Issa Oumarou, dean of the Africa Group.
Members of the South African Haj establishment, Jeddah’s diplomatic community, Saudi businessmen and media figures as well as the South African community members were also present on the occasion.
Casoo said this year’s commemoration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the final draft of the Constitution into law and the adoption of the Bill of Rights. These laid the foundation for a democratic and open society, in which government is based on the will of the people, he said.
Casoo thanked the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their support and cooperation in the past 22 years.
“We believe that such partnerships hold the key to successful development. We are therefore delighted by the progress we are making in building the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership.”
Recalling Zuma’s March 27 visit, Casoo said the president was warmly received by Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman, who bestowed on him the honor of the first order, the King Abdulaziz Medal. The gesture is highly appreciated,” he said.
He said that both the countries have much to benefit from each other, with co-operation in areas of agriculture, energy, health care and industrial development.
