Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma arrived in Pretoria on an alternative flight on Friday morning after Inkwazi developed technical problems in Qatar, the Presidency said.
“The aircraft used by the President, Inkwazi, developed technical problems in Qatar resulting in the use of an alternative aircraft to return to Pretoria,” said the Presidency in a statement on Friday.
Eralier this month Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the acquisition of a new aircraft to transport South Africa’s VVIPs, including Zuma and his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, would go ahead.
Briefing journalists ahead of tabling her department’s budget, she stressed that the acquisition of an aircraft for the president and deputy president was urgent as Inkwazi and the plane transporting Ramaphosa had run into technical problems several times, endangering their safety.
But Mapisa-Nqakula hit out at those suggesting a R4 billion price tag for the aircraft.
“We have a responsibility to do it. It has to be done. We would probably spend far less than we are spending on chartering,” said Mapisa-Nqakula.
“We are now preparing to lease an aircraft while we are in the process of procuring one for the VVIPs,” she said.
Mapisa-Nqakula refused to say how much the department was willing to spend on the aircraft, but that they were talking to the National Treasury to get more funds.
Zuma heads for the centenary celebrations of the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, where he will be joined by other heads of state including Zimbabwe’s 92-year-old leader, Robert Mugabe.
“The state visit to the state of Qatar was successfully concluded with the signing of several agreements and commitments, which further enhanced and elevated bilateral relations between the two countries to a strategic level,” said the Presidency.
Zuma and the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin HamadAl-Thani, witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Defence Cooperation, Agreement on Police Cooperation, and the Agreement on Cooperation in Arts, Culture and Heritage.
The visit began with Zuma’s interaction with the South Africa-Qatari Business Forum.
“The round table further promoted business-to business cooperation, aimed at diversifying the economies of the two nations. It was agreed that a Qatari business delegation would visit South Africa soon,” said the Presidency.
Zuma said there was growing excitement on both sides “to grow the economy” and to undertake joint projects, which would contribute to job creation, industrialisation and development.
“In this regard, South Africa and Qatar agreed to establish a Joint Investment Committee to oversee the implementation of agreements, in addition to the structured Bilateral Consultations,” said Zuma.
“The Middle East region is one of the most important regions in many respects. Firstly, the region has experience in conflict resolution and secondly, in developing its economies by utilising its natural resources such as oil.”
The Presidency said Qatar also views South Africa as a strategic partner on the African Continent and as a preferred investment destination and gateway to the region.
“South Africa and Qatar discussed the potential for cooperation in the Ocean Economy, including in shipbuilding since both countries qualify as maritime nations,” said the Presidency.
“Cooperation in the areas of agriculture, energy, construction and infrastructure development are also envisaged.”
There is a large South African expatriate community in Qatar working in various sectors, as well as a number of South Africa companies operating in Qatar mainly in the Petrochemical-related sector.
One of South Africa’s largest investments in the Middle East is Sasol, which plays an important role in Qatar in the development of the country’s gas reserves. South African franchises such as Nandos and Ocean Basket are also well-established in Qatar.
“This is indicative that South Africa’s relations with the State of Qatar have grown significantly over the recent years and have become more diverse, notably in the field of trade,” said Zuma.
The visit also presented an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on the recent developments in the Middle East, including the Middle East Peace Process and the Palestine question.
South Africa and Qatar agreed to cooperate on aspects related to peace, security and stability.
Zuma said the Middle East has a meaningful role to play in finding lasting peace to the various conflicts in the region as development can only be achieved when there is security and stability.
The Presidency said Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani accepted an invitation from Zuma to visit South Africa.
Whilst in Doha, President Zuma paid a courtesy call on the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Zuma was accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa .
African News Agency