Media Statement

17 June 2022

Minister Pandor concludes successful visit to the Nordic region

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has today, 17 June 2022, concluded her successful visit to the Nordic region.

Minister Pandor spent the day in Oslo, Norway, where she engaged in meetings with her Norwegian counterpart, Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, and the Minister of International Development, Minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.

Oslo is the third and last stop in Minister’s three-nation visit to the Nordic region. Prior to her arrival in Norway, Minister Pandor also visited Finland and Sweden from 13 June 2022.

Relations between Norway and South Africa are mature and mutually beneficial. South Africa has also partnered with Norway on several peace-building initiatives, including the training of peace mediators, the Women, Peace and Security (WSP) Agenda, and exchanges on conflict resolution and mediation efforts.

Norway currently serves on the United Nations Security Council (UN) as an elected member. In this regard, Minister Pandor and Minister Huitfeldt shared perspectives on a range of issues pertaining to the maintenance of international peace and security.

At the multilateral level, South Africa and Norway share similar orientations on issues such as democracy, good governance, human rights, global health, environment and climate change, peaceful resolution of conflicts abs poverty alleviation.

Regarding trade and investment, South Africa and Norway cooperate in various sectors, amongst them science and technology, oceans economy, maritime security, energy, environment, education and skills development.

There are currently 21 Norwegian companies invested in South Africa, representing the renewable energy, oil and gas, financial services, oceans economy, chemicals and technology sectors. Norway has more than R90 billion invested in South African bonds.

At the Fourth South African Investment Conference, held in March 2022, Norfund (the Norwegian investment agency), pledged an annual investment of R3.25 billion. The Norwegian renewable power producer, Scatec, pledged R16bn towards green hydrogen manufacturing.

Minister Pandor visited the Norfund and held talks with leaders of Norwegian businesses that have a presence in South Africa. The Minister said South Africa remains attractive destination for foreign direct investment.

Minister Pandor said at the conclusion of her visit that South Africa maintains strong ties with the three Nordic countries of Finland, Sweden and Norway and that the relationship is based on mutual respect.

Enquires: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO,‪082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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