By Johnathan Paoli
South Africa and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations, setting the stage for the upcoming 8th South Africa-EU Summit, and marking a renewed focus on trade, investment and geopolitical cooperation.
“In these turbulent times, it would serve us well to recall the historic foundation and shared values which underpin our partnership,” International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said on Wednesday.
“The principles and values of democracy, respect for the rule of law and human rights, human dignity, equality, sovereignty and respect, which South Africa and the European Union value, must continue to guide and inform our engagements and decisions.”
He was speaking during the 16th European Union-South Africa Ministerial Political Dialogue in Cape Town.
It was co-chaired by Lamola and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
It included Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuizen.
The dialogue reinforced the EU and South Africa’s shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, as outlined in the UN Charter.
Both parties stressed the urgency of reforming the UN Security Council to ensure greater representation, inclusivity and efficiency.
Kallas welcomed the strengthening of relations between South Africa and the EU and the push to develop multilateralism on a global scale.
“Our relations with South Africa are critically important. We share with you as strategic partners a commitment to democracy, multilateralism, human rights and sustainability.
“And of course, like you mentioned, multilateralism is under threat right now, but I think we also need to use this opportunity to develop the international law further to be more inclusive of all the countries in the world and to be also taking into account the accountability issues, how we could prevent future wars,” Kallas said.
Discussions also highlighted their alignment in addressing pressing global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The commitment to international humanitarian and human rights law was underscored, emphasising the necessity for peaceful resolutions.
With the 8th EU-South Africa Summit scheduled for 13 March, the dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss economic and trade priorities.
Both parties emphasised the role of international trade in promoting sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
They reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, open and transparent multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core.
A significant focus was placed on a just energy transition, ensuring economic security while advancing decarbonisation efforts.
Discussions explored avenues for deeper cooperation on sustainable value chains and critical raw materials, which play a pivotal role in industrialisation and technological advancement, with Lamola underscoring the necessity of balancing the transition to a low-carbon economy with job creation and energy security.
The dialogue also highlighted robust cooperation in education, research and innovation.
Opportunities for South Africa’s expanded participation in EU initiatives, such as the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions were explored.
Additionally, both sides discussed enhancing partnerships in nuclear medical applications and clean hydrogen technology.
Kallas welcomed South Africa’s potential membership in the Clean Hydrogen Mission, furthering global efforts in sustainable energy.
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