Chairman of Shoura Council Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Ghani and chairman of the South African National Council of Provinces Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu affirmed on Monday the importance of pushing relations between the two countries by means of joint cooperation, specially in the economic and parliamentary fields, Saba reported. During a talks session held in Sana'a, Abdul-Ghani welcomed the South African official, wishing this visit contributes to strengthening relations between Yemen and South Africa. He said that "there are some cooperation agreements signed between the two countries and it is important for the two sides to activate them," noting that establishing a South African diplomatic representation in Yemen, equivalent to that of Yemen in South Africa, will boost cooperation relations between the two countries. He pointed out to the importance of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA), of which he is the chairman, saying that it is the only organization that opens a window for cooperation between the Arab and African countries. Abdul-Ghani expressed trust in the role of businessmen in achieving this objective, noting to the meeting which will be held by chairmen of commerce chambers of the ASSECAA member states in October in South Africa. He also talked about Yemen's efforts in deepening cooperation with the African Horn countries. For his part, Mahlangu expressed comfort for the current cooperation between his country and Yemen, showing interest in the establishment of a South African diplomatic representation in Yemen for better cooperation between the two countries. He made clear that the partnership agreement between the two countries will be signed by Yemen and South Africa's foreign ministers, expressing trust that the joint cooperation will be augmented further in the light of this agreement. As for relation between Yemen Shoura Council and South Africa National Council of Provinces, Mahlangu welcomed the suggested cooperation agreement by Yemen, wishing that it is signed soon. He affirmed the importance of cooperation between Arab and African countries, welcoming the holding of meeting of commerce chambers of the ASSECAA member states in his country.
