South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Wednesday that his country seeks to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar.

"South Africa is indeed very interested" in acquiring LNG from the gas-rich Gulf Arab state, Mbeki told businessmen from the two countries as he wound up a two-day visit to Qatar.

Mbeki said economic ties between the two countries fell short of their political links, adding that he held talks on cooperation in the sectors of astronomy and human resources.

South African Trade Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa said his country's firms, represented by some 100 businessmen in the delegation, wanted "long-term partnerships, joint ventures, and solid and sustainable relationships."

South Africa's Sasol is already a partner of government-owned Qatar Petroleum in the joint-venture Oryx GTL, a gas liquefying plant in the Gulf emirate.

Qatar's giant North Field has proven reserves of more than 25 trillion cubic metres of natural gas, the third largest in the world.

Ahead of the visit, the South African foreign ministry said Qatar, with its huge energy reserves, was of great strategic importance to South Africa.

AFP