Media Statement

27 June 2019

President Ramaphosa arrives in Japan for G20 Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Osaka, Japan for the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit taking place from 28 to 29 June 2019.

The President will be joining other G20 world leaders to deliberate on issues of the global economy, trade and investment, innovation, environment and energy, employment, women’s empowerment, development and health.

These themes reflect, to a large degree, South Africa’s own national priorities, as set out in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address of Thursday, 20 June 2019.

South Africa’s participation in the Summit arises from South Africa’s international relations policy which is directed at creating a better South Africa through contributing to a better Africa and a better world.

South Africa will leverage on the Summit as a platform for securing financial and other support for infrastructure development; advancing the G20 Compact with Africa initiative and reinforcing the need for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth at a national and global level.

South Africa will further seek to ensure G20 support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa and developing regions and countries. This focus includes the combating of illicit financial flows which deprives Africa of resources that could otherwise be harnessed for development.

Ahead of the Summit, President Ramaphosa will participate in the BRICS Leaders’ Meeting that will be chaired by Brazil, which seeks to consolidate the blocs’ position around the G20 agenda.

The President will also convene the standing trilateral meeting of African Leaders in attendance at the G20 to exchange views with Egypt as Chair of the African Union (AU) and Senegal (NEPAD President) on African priorities for the Summit.

President Ramaphosa will also participate in the China-Africa Leaders’ Meeting in which South Africa, Egypt, Senegal and United Nations Secretary-General will participate.

The President will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with G20 Leaders during the course of the Summit.

Finally, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at a business round table engagement with Japanese business leaders.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of Finance Mr Tito Mboweni, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of Trade and Industry Mr Ebrahim Patel and the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President, on 072 854 5707

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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