Media Statement
7 May 2024
Minister Pandor concludes Working Visit to Equatorial Guinea
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has concluded her Working Visit to Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, where she held bilateral talks with her counterpart, HE Mr Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora.
During the bilateral meeting, which took place on Sunday, 5 May 2024, Minister Pandor and Minister Angue discussed the state of bilateral relations between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea, underscoring the importance of strengthening diplomatic, political, economic and trade as well as people-to-people relations. The two delegations also discussed regional, continental, and global developments.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Pandor and Minister Angue signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The JCC will serve as the structured mechanism through which the two countries conduct their relations.
On Monday, 6 May 2024, Minister Pandor paid a courtesy call on HE President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Minister Pandor conveyed the greetings and well wishes of HE President Cyril Ramaphosa to HE President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo wished South Africa well for the upcoming general elections, to be held on 29 May 2024. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said Equatorial Guinea remained committed to the sustenance of good political and economic relations between Equatorial Guinea and South Africa and to the implementation of the Africa Union’s flagship programmes, including those relating to peace and security as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).
Minister Pandor took advantage of her presence in Equatorial Guinea to raise with the authorities South Africa’s concerns regarding the incarceration of two South African citizens in the country. The Minister reiterated South Africa’s plea to the government of Equatorial Guinea for the release of the incarcerated South African citizens. Engagements on this matter are continuing.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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