The Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa and the European Union’s Delegation in South Africa have addressed recent reports by Bloomberg and News 24, dated 8 April 2024, concerning the diplomatic relations between South Africa and the EU. The reports in question suggested a lack of response from South Africa to the EU’s requests for a bilateral summit in 2023. Contrary to these claims, both entities affirm that there has been consistent and productive communication between South Africa and the EU throughout 2023, aimed at organizing their bilateral summit. This communication has included a Ministerial Forum held in South Africa in January 2023, various bilateral contacts at the Heads of State level, and ministerial visits in Pretoria and Brussels.
The dialogue and cooperation have reportedly intensified since early 2024, highlighted by several high-level meetings. These include a bilateral meeting between South Africa’s Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor and the EU’s High Representative Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Deputy Minister Mr. Botes’ participation in the Indo-Pacific Forum in Brussels, the visit of EU Ambassadors from the Political and Security Committee to Pretoria, and several dialogues on political, security, and human rights issues in Pretoria and Cape Town. The joint statement refutes the notion proposed by Bloomberg and News 24 that the summit delays negatively reflect the future relations between South Africa and the EU.
It highlights the continuous and robust engagements as evidence of a strong and multifaceted strategic partnership. In light of their ongoing cooperation and in a crucial year for global democracy and multilateralism, South Africa and the EU are committed to furthering their partnership and are in the process of scheduling a date for their bilateral summit. The statement was disseminated by the APO Group on behalf of the EU Delegation to South Africa.
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