The upcoming EU-South Africa summit aims to strengthen ties, discussing key geopolitical issues including Ukraine. Leaders will emphasize enhancing trade relations and cooperation in security and investment, with South Africa acting as a vital mediator in international peace efforts.
European Union leaders are set to enhance relations with South Africa during the eighth EU-South Africa summit on Thursday, highlighting South Africa as a “strategic partner for the EU.” The summit will also address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including Russia’s actions in the region.
At the summit held in Cape Town, President Antonio Costa of the European Council and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission will represent the EU, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the discussions for his country. The focus of the summit is expected to be on geopolitical challenges that threaten global security and stability.
The EU leaders emphasized that the agenda will also cover Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. President Ramaphosa is seen as a key player in the Global South, aiming to facilitate peace in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, particularly following his invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit on April 10, 2023.
The summit will not only emphasize the resolution of the conflict but will also focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation on various pressing matters, including issues related to the future of Ukraine alongside South Africa’s G20 Presidency. President Costa expressed his anticipation for discussing economic relations, energy transition, security, and sustainable value chains at this summit.
The objective of the gathering is to bolster bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and security, as South Africa stands as the EU’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with a significant trade in goods amounting to €49 billion in 2023. Furthermore, the EU is South Africa’s foremost source of foreign direct investment, which accounted for 53.7 percent in 2022.
The EU and South Africa, in conjunction with several other southern African nations, have also ratified the Southern African economic partnership agreement (SADC EPA), aiming to promote trade by eliminating customs duties on nearly all imports from South Africa. This agreement is pivotal in creating opportunities that further the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership goals.
The EU-South Africa summit represents a significant step in enhancing cooperative relations, particularly in addressing global challenges like the conflict in Ukraine. The collaboration underscores the importance of economic partnerships and multilateralism to foster regional stability and development. South Africa’s strategic role as a mediator in international conflicts highlights its growing influence in global diplomacy.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
