- Both the leaders discussed the scope for promoting the South Africa – EU strategic partnership and discussing key trade and peace and security issues.
President Ramaphosa hosted European Union (EU) Council President, Charles Michel at his official Mahlambandlopfu residence on 19th July.
Both the leaders discussed the scope for promoting the South Africa – EU strategic partnership and discussing key trade and peace and security issues. The South Africa-European Union (EU) Strategic Partnership is guided by the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), ratified in 2004.
Since then, the total trade rose from R150 billion in 2000 to R843 billion in 2021. South Africa’s exports to the EU marked steady growth from R64 billion back in 2000 to R482 billion in 2021.Imports from the EU also increased from R86 billion in 2000 to R361 billion in 2021. It was agreed to hold further discussions at Ministerial level to work out a solution to allow sustained trade in the citrus sub-sector
President Cyril Ramaphosa also welcomed European Union’s commitment to support Africa’s efforts to achieve food security particularly by helping to reduce the continent’s dependence on the imports of agricultural inputs from elsewhere in the world. Towards this end, a joint project plan was agreed to assist Africa in developing its own fertiliser production capacity.  On Peace and Security, President Ramaphosa applauded the expression of EU support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) efforts in stabilising the security situation in Mozambique.
Also read;
https://trendsnafrica.com/south-africas-deepening-economic-woes/
https://trendsnafrica.com/imf-urges-south-africa-to-fast-track-structural-reforms/
