The 11th Session of the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) between the Republic of South Africa and New Zealand was held in Pretoria on 2 October 2026. The Meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador DE Malcomson, Acting Deputy Director-General: Asia and Middle East of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa and Ms Paula Wilson, Deputy Secretary: Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand.
The two countries reaffirmed their longstanding and friendly bilateral relations, underpinned by shared values, mutual respect and cooperation. They reviewed progress since the 10th SOM held in May 2022 and welcomed the opportunity to reinvigorate bilateral engagement. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of regular consultations and exchanges at senior and political levels to sustain momentum in the relationship.
The two countries recognised the 11th SOM as an important platform for the initial implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Bilateral Relations signed in 2023. They agreed to translate the shared priorities and understandings contained in the MoC into practical cooperation and tangible outcomes.
The two sides welcomed opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation and agreed to reactivate the South Africa-New Zealand Trade and Investment Committee virtually ahead of the next Senior Officials’ Talks, with a view to identifying specific trade and investment opportunities, including agriculture and small business development. The two sides also welcomed the launch of the South Africa-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (KORUZA) as an opportunity to strengthen private-sector engagement.
South Africa and New Zealand agreed to explore further cooperation opportunities, which could include higher education and training, science, technology and innovation, transport, sport, arts and culture, and correctional services. They welcomed practical initiatives to strengthen institutional exchanges, skills development, scholarships, innovation and knowledge-sharing, and agreed to advance outstanding bilateral arrangements, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement. The two sides also reaffirmed the importance of cooperation on Antarctica and agreed to strengthen engagement between relevant institutions.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges and agreed to continue consultations on matters of mutual interest. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth, including on UN reform, human rights and candidatures.
South Africa and New Zealand exchanged perspectives on developments in Africa and the Pacific and recognised the importance of stronger engagement between the two regions. South Africa shared perspectives on its SADC Chairship and priorities relating to regional stability and sustainable development, while New Zealand shared its priorities in Africa. The two countries reflected on South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 and its legacy and welcomed continued engagement with partners in advancing priorities of relevance to developing countries and the Global South.
In conclusion, South Africa and New Zealand agreed to accelerate implementation of the outcomes of the 11th SOM and the 2023 MoC through strengthened institutional coordination and regular follow-up interaction.
It was agreed that the 12th Senior Officials’ Meeting will be held in New Zealand in 2028, with the exact dates to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
The Joint Communique was adopted on 6 October 2026.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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