Joint Media Statement by Honourable Ronald Ozzy Lamola Minister of International and Cooperation for the Republic of South Africa and Honourable Pascoal Ronda Minister of Interior for the Republic of Mozambique on the occasion of the South Africa-Mozambique Joint Inter-Ministerial Meeting, held In Malelane, Mpumalanga Province South Africa, 18 December 2024

1. Today, Ministerial delegations from South Africa and Mozambique held a joint Inter-Ministerial Meeting. This important meeting between friendly and fraternal neighbouring countries is reflective of the very good levels of bilateral cooperation between our two countries. The meeting was held in a very constructive, and cordial manner, illustrating the great spirit of collaboration between South Africa and Mozambique.

2. The meeting exchanged views and agreed on measures to jointly mitigate the disruption at our ports of entry, particularly Lebombo and Ressano Garcia. In this regard the Ministers agreed amongst others to enhance channels for frequent and continuous engagements at diplomatic level to mitigate disruptions to trade and supply chains, jointly identify alternative routes and deploy additional resources to expedite and facilitate trade and collaborate with all stakeholders particularly business in order limit the impact of the disruptions on their operations.

3. The Ministers agreed that both countries will endeavour to protect and secure the infrastructure for trade facilitation and continued collaboration to ensure minimum disruption for regional integration including associated cross border value chains.

4. The meeting highlighted that these disruptions have had a significant negative impact on the economies of both countries and the free movement of people and goods between our two countries. Many companies have suffered loses as result of the disruption in trade. Should the situation persist there is great danger of food and energy insecurity.

5. In conclusion the Ministers commended efforts undertaken by senior officials from various departments and agencies on both sides in mitigating the negative effects of the disruptions at the border to date. Accordingly, the Ministers committed to accelerate actions to address existing infrastructure challenges at our ports of entry and improve co-operation by establishing a joint technical team between the two countries which will implement the decisions of this meeting.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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