ON behalf of the government and people of South Africa I would like to warmly congratulate the Saudi government and people on their National Day. The Saudi nation has continued to grow and we commend Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his wise leadership in guiding the Saudi people and indeed the Muslim world. The National Day this year coincides with Arafat Day and we also sincerely thank King Salman and his government for all the arrangements and efforts that have gone into the Haj to ensure that the South African pilgrims are able to perform their sacred duties. The commitment, passion, hospitality, love and welcoming shown by the Saudi nation to our pilgrims is truly appreciated by the South African government and so we wish the government and people of Saudi Arabia everything of the best and all the success in the future. May the Kingdom continue to go from strength to strength, Insha Allah.

Mogamat Sadick Jaffer,

Ambassador of South Africa to Saudi Arabia