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President Jacob Zuma will undertake a State Visit to the State of Qatar on 19 May 2016.

The visit will serve to strengthen and elevate bilateral relations with the State of Qatar. These relations were further enhanced and consolidated by President Zuma’s Official Visit to Qatar in January 2012, during which discussions revolved around a wide range of issues and concrete projects that the two countries could engage in including cooperation in areas such as water, energy, construction, agriculture and infrastructure development.

The President is scheduled to meet with the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as bilateral talks on trade and economic relations between the two countries and critical aspects related to global and regional security and stability.

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

South Africa’s political and economic relations with the State of Qatar have grown significantly over recent years and have become more diverse, noticeably in the field of trade, while bilateral relations between the two countries are managed through the Bilateral Consultations, which is due to hold its 5th session in South Africa in the current year.

Trade between the two countries has increased from SA R4 billion in 2012 to SA R7 billion in 2015. Most of South Africa’s investments in Qatar are in the petrochemical-related sectors such as Sasol, which plays a significant role in Qatar in the development of the country’s gas reserves.

To further strengthen trade, President Zuma will address the South Africa-Qatari Business Forum.

President Zuma will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane;Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson; Minister of State Security, Mr David Mahlobo; Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Minister of Economic Development, Mr Ebrahim Patel, and Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom.

Issued by the Presidency