ANC celebrates 30 years of SA-Qatar diplomatic relations
14 November 2023
As the African National Congress (ANC), we proudly celebrate three decades of thriving diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar, which began on 10 May 1994. This milestone marks a journey of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values.
Our formal diplomatic ties were established on the historic day of President Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, symbolising our commitment to fostering international relations based on democratic values, liberty and human rights. The opening of the Qatari embassy in Pretoria (2003) and the South African embassy in Doha (2002) have facilitated dialogue and bilateral cooperation.
President Nelson Mandela’s landmark visit to Qatar in 1995 set the tone for high-level exchanges, followed by reciprocal visits from Qatari and South African leaders, including President Jacob Zuma (2012) and His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (2017). President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent state visit in November 2023 underscores our continuous efforts to strengthen these ties.
Bilateral trade has surged remarkably, from R5.6 billion in 2012 to R18.5 billion in 2022. Qatar is now our 22nd-largest trading partner globally and the fifth-largest in the Middle East. South Africa’s exports, including diamonds, vehicles, machinery, and chemicals, reflect our diverse economic strengths. In contrast, Qatar’s exports to us, primarily in crude oil and petrochemicals, have been vital for our energy needs. Our substantial investment in Qatar’s petrochemical sector, approximately $8.7 billion, exemplifies our commitment to long-term economic partnerships.