Doha, November 21 (QNA) - HE South Africa's Ambassador in Doha Ghulam Hussein Asmal has described HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's participation at the upcoming G20 Summit as a strategically significant move that underscores global recognition of Qatar's contributions.
The two-day summit will take place from November 22-23 in Johannesburg, marking the first time it is held in Africa. HH the Amir has been invited as a distinguished guest by HE South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Asmal said the invitation reflects strong personal ties between the leaders and robust bilateral relations between Doha and Pretoria. He noted Qatar's key role in global geopolitics, particularly through mediation efforts and its influence in the international financial sector.
He added that the invitation demonstrates mutual respect and a shared commitment by both nations to uphold the rules-based international order and to strengthen multilateralism and advocate for reforming global institutions, including the UN, to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Empowering these institutions, he said, enables them to address contemporary global challenges more effectively and supports multilateral organizations in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide.
On South Africa's G20 presidency, the diplomat described it as a historic milestone - the first time the African continent - and said it presents an opportunity to tackle pressing issues such as inequality and instability. He noted that the summit's theme, "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability," reflects South Africa's commitment to fostering inclusive development, conserving resources for future generations, amplifying Africa's voice on the global stage, and showcasing leadership based on mutual respect and inclusivity.
Regarding South Africa's objectives for the 2025 summit, Ambassador Asmal said the presidency aims to strengthen Africa's presence in global affairs, advance the African Union's Agenda 2063, achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, reform the international financial system, enhance food security, promote fair energy, boost trade and investment, and support health and vaccine development initiatives.
He concluded by stressing that South Africa's active role in the G20 seeks to foster a fairer global balance, protect the interests of developing countries, and present a leadership model rooted in solidarity and inclusivity, while maintaining group cohesion and achieving shared priorities. (QNA)