Media Statement

17 May 2023

Minister Pandor undertakes Official Visit to Portugal

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will undertake an Official Visit to Portugal on 18-19 May 2023 at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Mr João Gomes Cravinho.

Bilateral relations between Portugal and South Africa remain strong. The two countries collaborate in a number of sectors, such as basic and higher education, science and technology, defence as well as trade and investment.

South Africa and Portugal have well established trade relations. South African exports in 2021 were valued at approximately R2,8 billion, while imports from Portugal were approximately R4,6 billion in the same year.

There are approximately 500,000 South Africans of Portuguese descent and about 200,000 Portuguese nationals who reside in South Africa.

Whilst in Lisbon, Minister Pandor will meet representatives of the South Africa–Portugal Chamber of Commerce in the evening of 18 May.

On 19 May, Ministers Pandor and Cravinho will hold bilateral talks, focussing on preparations for President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s upcoming State Visit to South Africa. The bilateral meeting will also discuss South Africa-Portugal bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation as well as international and regional issues of common interest.

It is expected that the Mayor of the City of Lisbon, Mr Carlos Manuel Félix Moedas, will pay a courtesy call on Minister Pandor. The Minister will conclude her visit by paying a courtesy call on President de Sousa.

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