South Africa, Spain vow to strengthen bilateral relations

JOHANNESBURG

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between their countries.

“We have just concluded a very successful engagement, where we exchanged views on how to consolidate and deepen the bilateral relations between our two countries,” Cyril Ramaphosa told reporters at a joint news conference with Sanchez after their meeting in the capital Pretoria.

He said they held in-depth discussions on deepening trade and investment between South Africa and Spain.

The two countries already cooperate in several key sectors, including education, science, technology, and defense among others.

The two leaders are also expected to sign several memorandums of understanding in the fields of sports, library services, and industry among others.

“We are happy to be here Mr. President, I’m looking forward to strengthening these collaborations together with your government,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said he will work with South Africa and others to ensure the upcoming COP27 summit in Egypt delivers its goals on climate change.

“One thing I admire about President Ramaphosa and South Africa as a country is the constructive approach you always have when we speak about how to move forward and overcome conflicts in the region and across the world,” Sanchez said.

He said Spain supports South Africa’s approach in seeking peace through diplomatic means.

The two leaders whose countries are the largest exporters of citrus fruit globally also discussed issues affecting agricultural exports to the EU.

Sanchez and Ramaphosa agreed that a solution is needed to address the import ban on South African citrus by the EU.

• South Africa
• Spain