JEDDAH — The South African Consulate in Jeddah on Wednesday hosted a reception to celebrate the country's Freedom Day. [caption id="attachment_52189" align="alignright" width="300"] Sami Bin Jamil Abdullah, head of protocol affairs at the Foreign Ministry, and South African Consul General Shoayb Casoo cut the ceremonial cake with other diplomats. — SG photo[/caption]The function was attended by Sami Bin Jamil Abdullah, head of protocol affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makah province, diplomats, Saudi businessmen and media figures, in addition to a number of South African expatriates living in the region. After the playing of the Saudi and South African national anthems, Consul General Shoayb Casoo delivered the welcome speech, underscoring the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries. He said, "On March 27 this year, President Zuma was very warmly received during a very successful state visit by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, who bestowed on him the honor of the first order, the King Abdulaziz Medal. This gesture is highly appreciated," Casoo said. "We have much to benefit from each other; side by side with cooperation in areas of agriculture, energy, healthcare, industrial development, people-to-people contact and many others areas, our relations continue to flourish." The consul general said bilateral trade has grown from a modest SR125 million in 1994 to a healthy SR20 billion today. "Investments, technology exchanges, joint ventures, partnerships and tourism continue to grow," he added. "Wherever we can, in forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the G20, the IDB ... we cooperate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on matters of mutual concern," Casoo said. "Because of the strong Muslim community in South Africa there have always been good cultural and religious ties between our peoples. These are now flourishing. The International Qur'an Competition, the collaboration between our Islamic institutions, the programs at the University of Madinah, Haj and Umrah, all compliment the strategic relationship that is developing. "We are very optimistic that this relationship will continue to bear fruit for both our nations. I look forward to the continued strengthening of friendship between our peoples and our countries." In his speech, Casoo expressed his honor to receive the distinguished guests who attended the celebration of that special day in the life of all South Africans, "a day when our struggle to bring equality and freedom for all in South Africa was finally achieved." "This year's commemoration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the final draft of the constitution into law and the adoption of the Bill of Rights. These laid the foundation for a democratic and open society in which the government is based on the will of the people," Casoo continued. The ceremonial cake was cut by the consul general with other diplomats present.
