Johannesburg,South Africa

The Office of the Presidency has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday of this week will travel to the Middle East on a state visit to Qatar.

He will travel to an oil-rich country on an invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,Amir of the State of Qatar.

According to statement,the state visit will form part of two days of engagement between the governments of South Africa and Qatar on 14 and 15 November.

These two countries have a diplomatic relations for almost three decades now and next year on 11 April they will be celebrating 30 years anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

President Ramaphosa's visit to the State of Qatar will be his first visit as the Head of State.

He will hold 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,"the Presidency said.

Both leaders are expected to find ways to reinforce trade between two countries which looks promising to grow further.

"In 2022,Qatar became South Africa's fifth largest trading partner in the Middle East.

"There is significant potential for further economic cooperation between the two countries.South Africa exported USD 206 million worth of trade to Qatar in 2022.

"The bulk of the exports were in the manufacturing sector,accounting for about 56% of total exports.South Africa has witnessed a surge in its imports from Qatar between 2017 and 2022,primarily due to the import of petroleum oils.

"South Africa imports from Qatar amounted to USD 252 million in 2022,"the statement reads.

Ramaphosa will be accompanied by delegation from the business sector which is expected to engage with their Qatari counterparts,and there is presence of South African businesses operates in that country.

"The President will be joined by a high-level business delegation and is expected to engage the Qatari business community to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the creative industries,energy,mining,agro-processing,retail,helthcare,tourism,and shipbuilding.

"South Africa is a significant investor in Qatar,especially in the petrochemical-related sector,with a total investment of approximately USD 8.7 billion.

"Sasol has a 49% shareholding with Qatar Petroleum,and established ORYX GTL,the world's first commercial-scale gas-to-liquids plant.Sasol's GTL technology is used in ORYX GTL to convert natural gas into liquid fuel and chemical products,"the Presidency added.

An ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian fighters will be discussed and Qatar is involved on finding solutions for the conflict.

"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.

"These 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 statement concludes.

According to Presidency,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.