Saudi Arabia is poised as one of the foremost partners to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which came into force in 2021, and represents landmark step towards African integration and economic transformation.
These are words of the South African Vice President, Paul Mashatile on Friday at the occasion of inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit in Saudi Arabia, he further said the Kingdom’s generosity, compassion have been a lifeline to millions on African continent in times of crisis amidst ongoing challenges, including in Sudan.
The VP noted that with Saudi’s strategic position as a gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe, the Kingdom can play a vital role in realising the full potential of the AfCFTA.
Adding that by facilitating trade and investment, the S’Arabia can contribute to the transformation of African countries from mainly being exporters of raw materials to producers of finished goods for both continental and global markets.
According to him, “To this end, innovation will be the key to unlocking the full potential of our partnership and with their wealth of talent and creativity, our universities should collaborate in partnership to develop cutting -edge solutions to the challenges we face, from healthcare and education to agriculture and infrastructure”.
Speaking of the war in middle East, Mashatile said South Africa is deeply concerned about the cruel murder of innocent women, men and children and the destruction of civilian infrastructure by the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza.
He said, Israel’s continued violation of the UN resolution on implementation of a ceasefire and the creation of a human corridor in Gaza is causing more deaths, exacerbating human suffering and polarization throughout the region and beyond.
“The death toll has now exceeded 10,000 people. The Government of South Africa recalled for consultations”. While calling on other govts to do the same to communicate message that humanity will not permit any State, however powerful, to kill innocent people.
The VP urged to stress message of support to the people of Palestine when adopting the declaration of the summit. “As President Mandela said after South Africa’s triumph over apartheid that, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Mastahile, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, S’African people offered the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia congratulations on the Inaugural Saudi Africa Summit.