CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CHATNEWSTV) — European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and South African Foreign Minister Ronald O. Lamola co-chaired the 16th EU-South Africa Ministerial Political Dialogue on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, economic cooperation, and global peace efforts.
The talks, held in Cape Town, were attended by South African Trade Minister Parks Tau and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuizen, underscoring the economic dimension of the partnership. “South Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, and the EU is our first trade and investment partner,” Lamola said.
With the 8th EU-South Africa Summit set for March 13, the meeting served as a key milestone in their 25-year partnership. Both sides stressed the need for United Nations Security Council reform, with Lamola calling for a “more representative, democratic, and accountable” system.
On geopolitical issues, the EU and South Africa condemned global conflicts and reaffirmed that “all states must refrain from the threat or use of force,” citing Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Economic discussions focused on trade, investment, and the green transition. The EU and South Africa pledged deeper cooperation on critical minerals, clean energy, and sustainable supply chains. “A just transition must create jobs and enhance energy security,” said Lamola.
Both sides also lauded their collaboration in research, education, and innovation, with efforts to expand South Africa’s participation in EU programs such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
The talks reinforced their shared commitment to a “rules-based multilateral trading system,” with the World Trade Organization at its core.
