Today, July 19, 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Mr. Charles Michel, the President of the European Union (EU) Council, at his official Mahlambandlopfu residence.
The main goals of the bilateral meeting were to strengthen the strategic alliance between South Africa and the EU and to talk about important trade, peace, and security issues.
Two-way trade
The Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), which was ratified in 2004, serves as the framework for the strategic partnership between South Africa and the EU.
The EU as a whole is South Africa’s biggest trading partner. Total trade has increased from R150 billion in 2000 to R843 billion in 2021 since the TDCA was adopted.
Exports to the EU increased over time, from R64 billion in 2000 to R482 billion in 2021, growing steadily.
The amount of imports from the EU increased during the same time frame, rising from R86 billion in 2000 to R361 billion in 2021.
The discussion about bolstering and expanding current bilateral trade ties, as well as the commitment to address pressing and urgent trade issues, particularly with regard to the export of citrus products from South Africa to the EU, were both warmly received by President Ramaphosa.
The process of additional ministerial-level discussions to find a solution that will enable ongoing trade in the citrus subsector was supported by President Ramaphosa.
Continuity and Safety
The EU’s statement of support for the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) efforts to stabilise the security situation in Mozambique gave President Ramaphosa hope.
In order to maintain long-term peace and stability in the region and the rest of Africa, South Africa, the EU, and the SADC have a shared responsibility.
Food Safety
President Ramaphosa welcomed President Michel’s commitment on behalf of the European Union to assist Africa in achieving food security and reducing the reliance of the continent on imported agricultural inputs.
In this regard, a cooperative project plan was approved to help Africa build its own capacity for producing fertiliser.
The pledge comes after President Ramaphosa’s idea that Africa be allowed to invest in developing its fertilisers to combat food insecurity was well received by the G7 nations at the most recent G7 conference held in Germany.
Strategic alliance
President Ramaphosa praised the continued growth of the EU-Africa collaboration after the AU-EU Summit that took place in Brussels in February 2022.
The tight relationships have made it easier to participate in more direct and useful discussions about diverse trade, political, peace and security issues.