Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Friday received Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, who arrived in the UAE on an official visit.
Talks between the two leaders focused on ways to strengthen relations and cooperation, and a host of regional and international issues of common concern.
Present during the discussions were Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Shaikh Mohammad and Ramaphosa reviewed opportunities and avenues of cooperation in the fields of investment, economy, culture and others to meet the aspirations of both countries’ peoples, as well as achieve sustainable development, progress and prosperity.
Shaikh Mohammad said the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is keen on bolstering bilateral relations and cooperation with South Africa in all areas for the mutual interests of both nations.
Shaikh Mohammad described South Africa as an important friend of the UAE, and an effective and key African partner. The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said the UAE and South Africa share many attributes, as both countries are symbols in embodying values of tolerance and openness for their respective continents.
Shaikh Mohammad pointed out that the UAE and South Africa are successful models for development, and are partners in achieving peace and stability in their regions.
Ramaphosa said that he is looking forward to boosting cooperation and joint work between his country and the UAE for the mutual interests of both nations and their peoples.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Shaikh Mohammad and Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of expanding avenues of joint cooperation, and utilising the diverse capabilities of both countries. They said that strengthening values of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect between peoples and countries around the world is essential for coexistence and bolstering the foundations of global peace, security and stability.
Also present during the meeting were Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy; Reem Ebrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation; and other shaikhs, ministers and senior officials.
Earlier, Shaikh Mohammad received Ramaphosa at the Presidential Flight airport. An official reception ceremony was held, where the national anthems of South Africa and the UAE were played, along with the firing of 21 artillery rounds to greet the country’s guest.
