Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector-General, today left Capetown after a six-day official visit to the Republic of South Africa, during which he delivered to President Nelson Mandela a message from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.  On his departure, Prince Sultan sent a cable to the South African President thanking him for the good reception accorded to him and his accompanying delegation, and expressed his pleasure at the outcome of his talks which have further deepened the cooperation between the two friendly countries, and wished the President good health and happiness and continued progress and prosperity for the people of South Africa. Prince Sultan was accompanied by Prince Faisal Ibn Saud Ibn Muhammad Al-Saud and Prince Faisal Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz.

At a joint press conference with President Mandela last Thursday, Prince Sultan stated that they both shared the hope that the cosponsors of the Middle East peace process, the United States and Russia, as well as the European Union, will stand with right and justice regarding implementation of the agreements reached.  He went on to explain that his talks with South African officials would cover commercial, economic, cultural and petroleum fields.  Later, at a dinner in his honor, Prince Sultan remarked that nations build their friendships on the principles of legitimate freedom, human rights, and the dignity and honorableness of all citizens, and expressed his appreciation and admiration for Mandela himself.  He recalled Mandela's visit to the Kingdom two years ago, and looked forward to his upcoming scheduled visit which will further enhance the excellent existing relations between the two countries.

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