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President Jacob Zuma has landed in Pretoria this morning, 20 May, returning from a successful State Visit to the State of Qatar.

The President will proceed to Alice in the Eastern Cape to attend the centenary celebrations of the University of Fort Hare.

The aircraft used by the President, Inkwazi, developed technical problems in Qatar resulting in the use of an alternative aircraft to return to Pretoria.

The State Visit to the State of Qatar was successfully concluded with the signing of several agreements and commitments, which further enhanced and elevated bilateral relations between the two countries to a strategic level.

The visit commenced with the President's interaction with the South Africa-Qatari Business Forum. The roundtable further promoted Business-to Business cooperation, aimed at diversifying the economies of the two nations. It was agreed that a Qatari business delegation would visit South Africa soon.

The President held bilateral talks with the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin HamadAl-Thani, where discussions revolved around a wide range of issues, including trade and economic relations, as well as global and regional peace and security matters.

President Zuma indicated that there was growing excitement on both sides to grow the economy and to undertake joint projects, which would contribute to job creation, industrialisation and development. In this regard, South Africa and Qatar agreed to establish a Joint Investment Committee to oversee the implementation of agreements, in addition to the structured Bilateral Consultations.

President Zuma indicated that this was his fourth visit to the region this year as the Middle East region is regarded as an important investment partner for South Africa.

"The Middle East region is one of the most important regions in many respects. Firstly, the region has experience in conflict resolution and secondly, in developing its economies by utilising its natural resources such as oil," said President Zuma.

Qatar also views South Africa as a strategic partner on the African Continent and as a preferred investment destination and gateway to the region.

South Africa and Qatar discussed the potential for cooperation in the Ocean Economy, including in shipbuilding since both countries qualify as maritime nations. Cooperation in the areas of agriculture, energy, construction and infrastructure development are also envisaged.

President Zuma stated that there is a large South African expatriate community in Qatar working in various sectors, as well as a number of South Africa companies operating in Qatar mainly in the Petrochemical-related sector. One of South Africa's largest investments in the Middle East is Sasol, which plays an important role in Qatar in the development of the country's gas reserves. South African franchises such as Nandos and Ocean Basket are also well-established in Qatar.

"This is indicative that South Africa's relations with the State of Qatar have grown significantly over the recent years and have  become more diverse, notably in the field of trade, " said the President.

During discussions, the Qatari side discussed its preparations for the hosting of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and accordingly invited South Africa's expertise and capacity in participating in this legacy project.

The visit also presented an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on the recent developments in the Middle East, including the Middle East Peace Process and the Palestine question. South Africa and Qatar agreed to cooperate on aspects related to peace, security and stability.

President Zuma stated that the Middle East has a meaningful role to play in finding lasting peace to the various conflicts in the region as development can only be achieved when there is security and stability.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani has accepted an invitation from President Zuma to undertake a State Visit to South Africa.

Following fruitful bilateral discussions, the President and the Emir of the State of Qatar witnessed the signing of the following agreements:

•     Agreement on Defence Cooperation
•     Agreement on Police Cooperation
•     Agreement on Cooperation in Arts, Culture and Heritage.

Whilst in Doha, President Zuma paid a courtesy call on the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

President Zuma was accompanied by Ms MaiteNkoana-Mashabane,  Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry; Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; and Mr Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Arts and Culture.

Issued by the Presidency