Africa-Press – South-Africa. The South African government says there is nothing suspicious about the controversial landing of United Arab Emirates (UAE) president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, and his entourage at the Bulembu Airport in the Eastern Cape last week.
During an inter-ministerial press briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni poured cold water over concerns raised about the visit, saying everything was above board and in line with courtesies offered to heads of state.
Ntshavheni was joined by a panel of ministers, including Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Agriculture Thoko Didiza, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga and Minister of Defence Thandi Modise.
Ntshavheni said there had been a “range of insinuation” that suggested that something improper unfolded in the Eastern Cape’s preparation for this visit “by a prestigious guest to our country.”
Ntshavheni added that the leader’s visit was preceded by formal diplomatic correspondence from the UAE to the department of International Relations and Cooperation.
“This formal correspondence set out the intention of the UAE of [Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan’s] intentions to visit South Africa in his private capacity and indicated that he will bring a large entourage and would be domiciled at a game reserve he owns in the Eastern Cape,” said Ntshaveni.
The briefing comes as a storm erupted after UAE Boeings, C-17 military cargo aircraft and the presidential jumbo jet landed at government-owned Bulembu Airport in Bhisho between 16 and 19 April.
The planes were carrying members of the UAE military, a fleet of luxury cars, a string of helicopters, supplies and furniture.
Concerns were raised over whether the UAE president and his 500-strong entourage which included guests and staff declared items they brought into the country and whether the laws of the country were not violated to accommodate them.
The minister said the correspondence reflects the respect shown and care taken by the president of the UAE informing South Africa of his planned visit, allowing the government to prepare in good time.
“The formal correspondence set in motion South Africa’s preparations to extend to the president and his entourage courtesies and services in line with the internationally practised hosting provisions that countries offer heads of state and other dignitaries on a mutual basis,” said Ntshaveni.
Explaining why home affairs only processed and issued visas for 60 of the 500 people, she said most of the visitors flew using visas from countries with whom South Africa has visa-free travel arrangements.
“South Africans are right to be vigilant about such matters but our vigilance should not make us jump to the worst assumptions and conclusions about our country or this administration,” Ntshavheni stressed.
She said it was common for heads of state and government officials to visit South Africa privately, including for the purpose of seeking medical treatment.
With the SA government’s silence over the UAE president’s visit, Ntshaveni said there was no reason for public announcement of heads of state entering for private reasons.
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