South Africa and Türkiye to strengthen bilateral relations, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister

Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, says South Africa and Türkiye are dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations.

On Tuesday, the Minister met with Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlüt avuşolu of the Republic of Türkiye for Bilateral Political Consultations.

“Co-chair, it is an honour to preside jointly with you over these Consultations today. Such engagements are indicative of our respective countries’ joint commitment to strengthen bilateral relations through dialogue and through the exchange of knowledge in different areas of expertise,” she said at the session held in Pretoria.

She welcomed her counterpart to South Africa where they would address subjects of common interest, bilaterally and multilaterally “during these very challenging times we find ourselves in”.

South Africa and Türkiye have maintained important bilateral political, economic, and cultural connections since 1991.

Pandor extended South Africa’s sympathies to the Government and people of the Republic of Türkiye for the unfortunate loss of life in the Istanbul explosion on November 13, 2022.

“South Africa remains steadfast in condemning all forms of violence and wishes to extend our sympathy to those directly affected by this tragedy.”

At the time, it was claimed that at least six individuals were killed in the explosion, with numerous more injured.

“May I also use this opportunity, on behalf of His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, the government and people of the Republic of South Africa to convey our sincerest congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people of the Republic of Türkiye on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye this year.”

Bilateral trade between the two nations has gradually increased in recent years. South African exports to Türkiye climbed by nearly 18% between April and November 2022.

Türkiye is an important investment partner for South Africa, having invested in many projects totaling R156.80 million in direct capital during the last decade.

“Today we have the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on how best we can work together to strengthen the good relations that our two countries enjoy,” said Pandor.

Minister Pandor was especially pleased by our common awareness of the significance of peace and stability, democracy, the rule of law, and the role of multilateralism in achieving sustainable development.

The meeting on Tuesday follows Deputy Minister Alvin Botes’ travel to Türkiye in October 2022, during which he held fruitful conversations with his Türkiyish colleague, Deputy Minister Sedat nal.

“We look forward to a fruitful engagement on how we can activate cooperation in other equally important areas such as the arts, culture and sport, and science and technology, respectively.

Our countries are active in regional and multilateral issues, and I look forward to exchanging notes on relevant matters in this regard that are important for both our countries,” she said in her opening remarks.


»South Africa and Türkiye to strengthen bilateral relations, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister«

↯↯↯Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media ↯↯↯