By: Natasha Archary

President Cyril Ramaphosa is off to Qatar for a State Visit on Wednesday, 15 November.
This comes at the invitation of His Highness, Sheikh Tammin bin Hamad aL Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Qatar will form part of a 2-day engagement between South African and the Arab State.
In a statement from Presidency, Ramaphosa’s itinerary was detailed as follows:
“The State Visit will form part of two days of engagement between the governments of South Africa and Qatar on 14 and 15 November.
The visit occurs in the context of 3-decads of diplomatic relations between the two countries who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on 11 May 2024.
This visit will be President Ramaphosa’s first visit to the State of Qatar as Head of State.
The programmed will include meetings with His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and high-level business engagements.”
During their meeting, President Ramaphosa and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are expected to deliberate on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world.
Both parties are committed to enhancing their economic ties and focusing on improving economic relations including trade, investment, and tourism.
President @CyrilRamaphosa will on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, undertake a State Visit to Qatar at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar. https://t.co/vUOXVUpCAz
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 13, 2023
The governments of South Africa and Qatar share deep concern regarding the conflict, notably the unfolding human catastrophe in Palestine, violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law, the large-scale loss of life and the ongoing hostilities, especially in Gaza.
Thre leaders will discuss respective efforts to ensure that the conflict does not escalate to other parts of the region and that a peaceful resolution is found.
South Africa also welcomes Qatar’s mediation efforts in this crisis.
The President will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; Trade, Industry and Competition; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Mineral Resources and Energy; Defence, Basic Education and the Minister in the Presidency.
Also read: UN elects Professor Dire Tladi as a judge of the International Court of Justice



