AMMAN – In her official
visit to Jordan, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of
International Relations, Ms. Thandi
Moraka, has asserted the significance of enhancing relations between the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and South Africa in vital sectors including
tourism, agriculture, transportation and aviation.
In a wrap-up interview about
her visit, published in the International Relations and Cooperation of South
Africa’s page, Ms. Moraka praised the role the diplomatic mission of her
country plays in Jordan, led by Her Excellency Ambassador Tselane Mokuena, in facilitating
the visit and strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
She pointed to the historical
visit conducted by the late President Nelson Mandela in 1994 to Jordan to meet
His Majesty the late King Hussein bin Talal, in an effort to further strengthen
bilateral relationship with Jordan.
Speaking on cooperation in the
tourism sector, Ms. Moraka referred to the great
potential of the two countries in this field, noting that Jordan has great
touristic sites that attract visitors from all over the world, as does South
Africa. Therefore, she reiterated the importance of collaborating in this vital
sector, considering its positive impact on the national economy and increasing
gross domestic product (GDP) of the two countries.
In agriculture, the South
African Deputy Minister emphasized that “South Africa is a very strong country
in terms of its fresh agricultural produce. We need to work together with
Jordan and continue to explore economic diplomacy through agricultural products
entering the local markets in Jordan.”
In the area of logistics,
transport and aviation, Ms. Moraka stressed the importance of team work in this
field, noting that without this key cooperation it would be difficult to
facilitate movement of tourists between the two countries.
Additionally, Ms. Moraka
applauded the regional role of Jordan in bringing about peace and mediation
efforts, referring to its role in promoting peace in Syria and Gaza and its
distinguished role in offering humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
She also touched upon the
initiatives carried out by her country in enhancing security and stability in
the continent of Africa as a whole.
In conclusion, South Africa’s Deputy Minister
restated the significance of cooperation between Jordan and South Africa in the
diplomatic, cultural and religious fields, pointing to the common religious and
spiritual factors that bring the two peoples together which contribute to
enhancing human and cultural relations between them.
She also expressed her
country’s aspiration to expand bilateral collaboration in all fields to
reinforce economic and cultural ties in the future.
To watch the interview, please
check the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKFmHf1nba0