Abu Dhabi Seeks to Step Up South Africa Ties

ABU DHABI - A high level delegation from Abu Dhabi returned here on Thursday after completing ‘successful’ three-day visit to South Africa to explore the possibilities of strengthening the economic and commercial ties with that country.

By T Ramavarman

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Published: Fri 30 Jan 2009, 11:19 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 4:36 AM

The delegation was being led by Nasser Alsowaidi, Chairman of the Department of Planning and Economy (DPE), and Salah Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, according to official sources here.

Describing the visit as a success, Nasser Alsowaidi confirmed that a follow up visit by relevant teams, in order to explore further the areas of collaboration in the fields of energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, services and other utilities.

Expressing satisfaction over the outcome of the visit, Nasser Alsowaidi said “During this visit, we have seen an economy embarking on a deep transformational journey towards knowledge based economy; where diversification,the private sector and the empowerment of national workforce through education play a central role. Those similarities are as many advantages when seeking successful and mutually beneficial partnerships, and I am confident in the future developments of our relationship.”

The delegation reached South Africa on Monday met with the Minister of Public Enterprises of South Africa on the first day of the visit and discussed the areas of collaboration in the fields of ports infrastructure, utilities and other Public Private Partnerships. the sources told Khaleej Times.

The members of the delegation also had a meeting with Gauteng Province Premier Paul Mashatile who visited the emirate earlier this year.The delegation paid a courtesy visit to President Kgalema Motlanthe on Tuesday. Nasser Alsowaidi delivered aspecial message from General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to the South African President. The members of the delegation also had a discussion on bilateral trade and investment opportunities with President Kgalema Motlanthe.

The delegation attended meetings in Durban, in the province of KwaZulu Natal, West of the country, and visited South Africa’s busiest port to view key projects in progress such as the Point Waterfront Development, the Durban soccer stadium for the world cup 2010 and other infrastructure and real estate developments.

ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae



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