Media Statement

30 August 2021

Deputy Minister Botes visits Poland and Romania for Bilateral Political Consultations

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will visit Poland and Romania from 31 August 2021 to 02 September 2021, where he will co-chair Bilateral Political Consultations with the Polish Head of Foreign Service, Dr Arkady Rzegocki, and the Romanian State Secretary, Mr Cornel Ferutã, respectively.

The aim of the meetings is to consolidate and further enhance diplomatic and political relations, deepen understanding of regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual concern, encourage further trade and investment in key drivers of South Africa’s economy to create jobs, promote the African Agenda as a cornerstone of South Africa’s foreign policy and to build synergies between the South Africa and Africa-EU partnerships.

South Africa and Poland enjoy cordial relations. Poland regard South Africa as partner and also as bridge to the African continent. Poland perceives South Africa as priority partner is Africa, both in terms of bilateral relations and in the context of the strategic partnership between South Africa and the EU. Poland and South Africa have a long tradition of bilateral cooperation as well as in the context of multilateral relations.

Relations between South Africa and Romania are cordial and important within the context of the Africa-European Union (EU) relations. Bilateral economic relations between South Africa and Romania have steadily developed since diplomatic relations were normalised in 1991. The potential for expanding political and economic relations has not been fully realised. There is a political will to extend, consolidate and mordenise the traditionally good relations from both sides. The Protocol on Political Consultations between the Government of South Africa and the Government of Romania, which was signed in 2016, provides a vehicle for the co-ordination and further strengthening of bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries.

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

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084