South Africa – Italy

South Africa and Italy enjoy strong, long-standing bilateral relations founded on shared democratic values, regular political dialogue, and a broad-based partnership spanning political, economic, scientific, cultural and multilateral cooperation. Diplomatic relations are maintained through the respective Embassies in the capitals, Rome and Pretoria, facilitating sustained engagement between the two governments, including regular political consultations and high-level exchanges. Italy has Consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The bilateral agenda is complemented by the Europe Union-South Africa Strategic Partnership, which provides an additional framework for dialogue and cooperation. South Africa has nine (9) Honorary Consuls in Italy in the Regions of Puglia (Bari), Emilia Romagna (Bologna), Sicily, Liguria (Genova), Campania (Napoli), Venice, Trieste, Florence, and Lombardy.

Cooperation encompasses a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, higher education, agrifood systems, water resources management, police and defence cooperation, while opportunities are being explored in areas such as health, energy, space economy, environmental protection and tourism, etc. Bilateral engagement is underpinned by several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and is further strengthened by active collaboration between the private sector, academic institutions and research organisations.

South Africa and Italy occupy strategically complementary geographic positions, serving respectively as gateways to the African continent and the European Union. South Africa’s location at the southern tip of Africa, with access to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, places it along major global maritime trade routes linking Africa with Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

Italy, at the heart of the Mediterranean, serves as a key logistics and maritime hub connecting Southern and Central Europe with North Africa and the wider Mediterranean region. Together, these complementary positions create significant opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, logistics and broader economic connectivity between Africa and Europe.

The bilateral relationship is further reinforced by a shared commitment to multilateralism, international law and a rules-based international order. South Africa and Italy cooperate closely within the United Nations, the G20 and other multilateral fora to advance global governance reform, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, migration and food security. Italy recognises South Africa as a leading voice on the African continent and an essential partner in promoting dialogue and cooperation between Africa and Europe, including in the context of the European Union-Africa partnership. It is in this regard that Italy views South Africa as a strategic partner in its pursuit of the Piano Mattei, Italy’s strategic development cooperation plan to engage the African continent.

Economic relations constitute a central pillar of the partnership, supported by diversified trade and growing investment. South Africa exports minerals, metals and agricultural products to Italy, while Italy supplies machinery, industrial equipment, vehicles, pharmaceuticals and other high value-added manufactured goods. Italian companies have established a significant presence in South Africa across sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, infrastructure and engineering, reflecting confidence in the South African market and its strategic role as a gateway to the wider Southern African region.

Increasing emphasis is being placed on the green transition, climate resilience, energy cooperation and technical capacity building, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting inclusive economic growth.

South Africa and Malta

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Malta were established in 1992, based on non-residential diplomatic representation. South Africa does not maintain a resident mission in Malta. Instead, the South African Embassy in Rome, headed by Ambassador Nosipho Jezile, is accredited to Malta as non-resident High Commissioner. The Mission is further supported by an Honorary Consulate in Valletta, who operates under the supervision of the Embassy in Rome. In reciprocation, Malta has a non-resident High Commissioner accredited to South Africa

South Africa and Malta engage constructively at both bilateral and multilateral levels, including reciprocal support for candidatures within international organisations. Cooperation is grounded in shared commitments to multilateralism, the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights, and reflects a generally aligned approach to global governance issues.

Malta’s foreign policy presents clear areas of complementarity with that of South Africa. As a constitutionally neutral Member State of the European Union, Malta pursues a pragmatic, dialogue-oriented foreign policy that emphasizes diplomacy, consensus-building and the peaceful resolution of disputes. This approach closely aligns with South Africa’s own foreign policy priorities, which are rooted in multilateralism, respect for international law, mediation, and the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges.

This convergence creates a strong basis for enhanced cooperation in multilateral fora, particularly on issues such as peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, migration, and the reform of global governance institutions. Malta therefore represents a valuable partner for South Africa within the European Union, offering opportunities to advance inclusive multilateralism and practical, consensus-driven solutions to shared international challenges. The two countries continually work together to pursue a mutually beneficial relationship.

South Africa and Albania

South Africa and Albania enjoy cordial bilateral relations characterized by constructive political dialogue and cooperation within multilateral fora. Diplomatic relations are conducted on a non-residential basis, with the Embassy of South Africa in Rome accredited to Albania. The Embassy facilitates engagement with Albanian authorities and supports the development of bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Albania appointed an Honorary Consul to South Africa who operates to strengthen ties between the two nations by fostering deeper connections in trade, investment, culture, and bilateral goodwill. For official or consular-related matters, Albania currently does not maintain a fully staffed embassy or permanent consulate in South Africa.

Cooperation between South Africa and Albania is primarily pursued within multilateral frameworks, particularly the United Nations, where both countries share a commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Engagement in international organisations also includes reciprocal support for candidatures and cooperation on issues of global governance, sustainable development, and human rights.

The relationship is underpinned by shared support for a rules-based international order and a pragmatic, dialogue-oriented approach to international relations. Albania’s foreign policy orientation, anchored in Euro-Atlantic integration and active participation in multilateral institutions, provides a basis for constructive engagement with South Africa on global issues, including peace and security, migration, climate action, and development cooperation.

Although economic and technical cooperation remains limited, both countries have expressed interest in exploring opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, and institutional exchanges in the future. There is also scope for enhanced collaboration in education, cultural exchange, financial services, construction, agriculture, and capacity-building initiatives.

South Africa and Albania therefore maintain a positive and evolving relationship, with strong potential for expanded engagement in both bilateral and multilateral contexts, particularly as cooperation between Africa and Europe continues to deepen.

South Africa and San Marino

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of San Marino were formally established through an Exchange of Notes signed on 30 May 1993, which entered into force on 30 May 1999. Relations between the two countries have a long historical foundation, dating back to the signing of an Extradition Agreement on Fugitive Criminals on 16 October 1899.

South African representation to San Marino is conducted on a non-residential basis through the Embassy of South Africa in Rome. On 9 November 2021, Ambassador Nosipho Jezile presented her credentials to Their Excellencies the then Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino, Mr Francesco Mussoni and Mr Giacomo Simoncini.

San Marino is represented in South Africa by a non-resident Ambassador, H.E. Mr P. Giacomini. In addition, the country maintains two Honorary Consulates in South Africa: in Cape Town, with jurisdiction over the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, and in Pretoria, with jurisdiction over Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West provinces. South Africa does not maintain honorary consular representation in San Marino, but services the relations from its Embassy in Rome through the Embassy of San Marino.

Bilateral relations are underpinned by limited but functional cooperation frameworks, including an Agreement on the Exchange of Information Relating to Tax Matters, signed on 10 March 2011 and which entered into force on 28 January 2012. These instruments reflect a pragmatic approach to cooperation, particularly in areas related to legal and administrative exchange.

Engagement between South Africa and San Marino is also pursued within multilateral fora, where both countries cooperate on issues of mutual interest, including international law, governance and cooperation within the United Nations system. While economic and sectoral cooperation remains limited, there is scope for further engagement in areas such as institutional exchange and technical cooperation. The two countries support each other’s candidatures in the multilateral fora. San Marino is represented at the State of the Nations and presidential inaugurations in South Africa, and South Africa is represented at the investiture ceremonies in San Marino, a historic and deeply symbolic bi-annual event held to swear in the country’s two (2) newly elected heads of state called the Captains Regent. This grand state occasion takes place every year on April 1st and October 1st.