Diplomatic ties are established between SA and Saudi Arabia

On 29 May 1994 the South African government signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were formalised during a visit by former President Nelson Mandela to Saudi Arabia in November 1994. Two missions were established in Saudi Arabia in March 1995: an Embassy with a Chargé d’ Affaires in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, and a Consulate General with a Consul in Charge in the commercial capital of Jeddah. The Consulate General is also responsible for looking after the needs of South African pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah duties in the holy cities of Makkah al Mukarramah and Medina al Munawarra. The first South African Ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr Samuel Motsuenyane, arrived in November 1996 and completed his duty in August 2000. The Royal Saudi Arabian Embassy in Pretoria was established in 1997.