NINTH MEETING OF THE SOUTH AFRICA-FRANCE FORUM FOR POLITICAL DIALOGUE

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, arrived in France to co-chair the Ninth Forum for Political Dialogue alongside the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Mr Jean-Noël Barrot.

This bilateral engagement enabled the two Ministers to review progress and discuss key issues of mutual interest, further strengthening the strategic partnership between South Africa and France.

South Africa enjoys robust trade relations and significant investment flows with France, which remains one of its largest trading partners within the European Union. The two nations also collaborate strategically in critical areas such as education and skills development science, technology, arts, and culture, energy cooperation, health and defence.

The Forum further provided an opportunity for the Ministers to exchange perspectives on pressing global and regional geopolitical developments, underscoring their shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order.

This dialogue reaffirms the enduring partnership between South Africa and France, rooted in mutual respect and a common vision for advancing peace, sustainable development, and innovation.

16 MAY 2025

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION