The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Jordan celebrated on Wednesday evening its country’s National Day, known as Freedom Day, bringing together ministers, officials, ambassadors, businessmen and journalists. South African Ambassador Ibrahim Sally said that the citizens of South Africa, which became a free country in 1994, always appreciate the solidarity and support provided by countries such as Jordan to end the immoral apartheid regime in South Africa, which the United Nations declared a crime against humanity in 1966. He added that Jordan established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1994 after the defeat of the apartheid regime, and the emergence of a new, non-racist, non-national, democratic South Africa, noting that “We will always be grateful for Jordan’s support for our liberation.” And he indicated that the relationship between South Africa and Jordan continues to grow through agreements and projects that benefit both countries, pointing to a recent agreement on political consultations at the ministerial level. He pointed out that South Africa is an active and consistent participant in the “Aqaba Process,” which was launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II to join hands with other countries in combating terrorism. On ties and trade between Jordan and South Africa, the envoy said that South Africa and Jordan have a close relationship, indicating that a 30-day entry visa is issued to holders of Jordanian and South African passports on the borders. He stated that despite being relatively “modest,” trade exchange between them continues to grow every year with the latest figure showing that the volume of trade exchange amounted to 1.4 billion rand. For his part, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Wajih Azaiza underscored, in a speech, the existing partnership between Jordan and South Africa, and commitment to developing relations and expanding cooperation in various fields.
Source: Jordan News Agency