According to an official statement from the Presidency, the event is part of the long-standing Strategic Partnership between the two countries, based on shared values ​​such as democracy, multilateralism, human rights, and peace.

The agenda includes deepening cooperation in trade, investment, macroeconomic policy, climate change, energy security, and digital innovation, as well as addressing the reform of the international financial architecture.

The EU remains South Africa’s main trading partner and the largest source of foreign direct investment, accounting for 41% of the total received by the African nation.

More than 2,000 European companies operate in South Africa, generating over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, authorities noted, the statement added.

The talks will also assess the development of joint initiatives such as the development of critical raw materials, the launch of the Bilateral Energy Dialogue, and connectivity and infrastructure projects under the EU’s Global Gateway Mechanism.

jdt/arm/mem/mv