South Africa's Zuma in Saudi to expand economic ties

Riyadh : South African President Jacob Zuma called for strengthening his country's economic ties with Saudi Arabia, during a visit to the kingdom on Sunday.

"While our political relations with Saudi Arabia are strong, our economic and trade ties should be reviewed and revitalised," he said in a statement.

Zuma cited agriculture, mining, infrastructure, finance, defence, gas exploration and alternative energy as sectors where cooperation could be expanded.

The South African economy has been hit by slow growth and a weak currency, which have been compounded by a drought that has resulted in higher food prices.

Zuma has been engulfed in a series of corruption scandals, the latest involving allegations that a wealthy Indian family influenced his ministerial appointments.