PRESIDENT Nelson Mandela on Wednesday conferred the Order of Good Hope on visiting Saudi Arabian crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and chose the occasion to highlight South Africa’s hopes of a resumption in the Middle East peace process. The crown prince arrived in South Africa on Wednesday on a six-day official visit during which several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed. Mandela hailed the change in government in Israel as a hopeful sign for Middle East peace, and said South Africa and Saudi Arabia are developing “an important strategic partnership.” South Africa and Saudi Arabia have a “common Islamic heritage”, the president said.