EU leaders will enhance ties with South Africa at an upcoming summit focused on global issues, especially the Ukraine conflict. Major discussions will revolve around strengthening economic relations, security, and multilateral cooperation, as Ramaphosa positions himself as a mediator in peace efforts. The summit highlights the importance of the EU-South Africa strategic partnership.
EU leaders aim to strengthen their relations with South Africa during the eighth EU-South Africa summit, with a focus on developments in Ukraine. Attendees include European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will represent his country. Geopolitical challenges, including the Ukraine conflict, will dominate the agenda, according to organizers.
Ramaphosa is recognized for his influence in the Global South and aims to mediate peace efforts regarding the Ukraine-Russia war. He has extended an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit South Africa on April 10, which aims to continue engagement on peace talks. This visit was described by a presidential spokesman as part of the ongoing dialogue towards an inclusive peace process.
The summit also addresses critical global and regional issues, with South Africa’s G20 Presidency providing a platform for discussions. Topics will include economic relations, energy transitions, security, defensive strategies, and multilateral collaboration, emphasizing the importance of robust international partnerships.
Costa expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly concerning economics, trade, and security, highlighting South Africa’s significance as the EU’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with €49 billion in goods trade in 2023. In 2022, the EU accounted for over half of South Africa’s foreign direct investment.
The Southern African economic partnership agreement (SADC EPA), signed in June 2016, facilitates trade between the EU and South Africa, eliminating duties on 98.7 percent of imports from South Africa. This agreement is vital for promoting trade and advancing the objectives of the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership.
The upcoming EU-South Africa summit is pivotal for enhancing bilateral relations amid pressing global challenges such as the Ukraine conflict. With South Africa playing a significant role in mediating peace efforts and facilitating important discussions, the summit will focus on improving economic ties, security cooperation, and multilateral efforts, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the EU and South Africa.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
