PHUTI MOSOMANE
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa said Portugal will assist South Africa with renewable energy best practice, investment, technology transfer and skills development adding that the government is keen to see higher levels of trade and investment between the two countries across a range of sectors.
Ramaphosa said this while hosting Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday on his first visit to South Africa. The two countries have had strong bilateral relations that have grown over the years.
The President said South Africa’s Portuguese community is an integral part of the diverse cultures that enrich our national life and has played an important role in the development of our economy.
Ramaphosa also pointed out that Portugal is one of the European countries that has been pioneering the deployment of renewable energy.
“As we confront our own energy challenges, we are keen to discuss best practice, technology transfer and investment potential in this sector. Our discussions today focused on opportunities of mutual benefit in defence, science and innovation, education and energy.
“We discussed opportunities for sharing best practice, investment, technology transfer and skills development,” he said.
The Agreement on Defence Cooperation that was signed following the official talks is expected to provide a legal framework for closer cooperation in this area of the relationship.
“We also had an opportunity to discuss issues of regional and international importance, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We also discussed effective responses to other issues that confront humanity today, such as climate change,” he added.
INSIDE POLITICS
