Media Statement
2 April 2019
President concludes Working Visit to Equatorial Guinea
President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a working visit today, Tuesday 02 April 2019, to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea where he held talks with his counterpart, His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasongo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a delegation comprising of Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu; and Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; as well as senior officials.
The visit provided an opportunity for President Ramaphosa and President Nguema to strengthen political, diplomatic and economic relations between their two countries, in pursuance of the objective to promote peace, security and sustainable development in Africa and the world.
They further agreed on the need to strengthen South-South cooperation and inter-African cooperation in particular.
South Africa and Equatorial Guinea enjoy cordial relations that were formally established in 1993. The two countries have entered into a number of bilateral cooperation agreements, including a General Cooperation Agreement and two agreements on defence cooperation. The two countries are also formulating draft agreements to enhance cooperation in education and energy.
During the visit the Heads of State participated in a bilateral meeting and witnessed the signing of the Rules of Procedure for a Joint Permanent Commission.
South Africa and Equatorial Guinea serve as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and have committed themselves to work together to champion Africa’s quest for peace and stability in line with the collective vision encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063.
President Ramaphosa has expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality he and his delegation received from President Obiang Nguema Mbasongo and the people of Equatorial Guinea.
Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – +27 72 854 5707
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
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