Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has expressed South Africa's gratitude to Belgium's King Albert II for his personal role in strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between South Africa and Belgium.
President Zuma also paid tribute to King Albert for his role in the socio-economic development of Belgium, saying he has been a symbol of unity in Belgium.
“We are grateful for the interest and enthusiasm you have shown to the South Africa-Belgium relations over the last two decades of your reign.
“We will continue to expand and deepened our ties of friendship and cooperation with your heir, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Philippe. We wish you good health and an enjoyable retirement,” said Zuma on Thursday.
The 79-year-old King Albert II announced on Wednesday that he would abdicate on July 21, on Belgium’s national day, and leave the throne to his eldest son, crown prince Philippe.
The king cited "age and health" as the reasons for not continuing to carry out his duties. Philippe, 53, is a fighter pilot and parachutist with degrees from the world's top universities.
Belgium is South Africa's 12th largest export destination globally, fourth in the EU, with total exports from South Africa to Belgium at R15.3 billion and total imports at R10.3 billion in 2012.
Belgium ranks as the sixth biggest investor in South Africa, and fourth biggest source of official development funding from Europe, with a total €50 million committed until 2016. – SAnews.gov.za
