EU Leaders Strengthen Ties with South Africa Amidst Ukraine Focus

EU leaders will meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the EU-South Africa summit to strengthen ties, with a focus on the Ukraine conflict and global security issues. This summit represents an opportunity to bolster economic relations and promote multilateral cooperation between the EU and South Africa.

At the upcoming eighth EU-South Africa summit, EU leaders intend to further solidify their partnership with South Africa, emphasizing its status as a “strategic partner for the EU.” The summit will take place in Cape Town, with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen representing the EU alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The summit is focused on addressing significant geopolitical challenges, particularly the conflict in Ukraine which has been characterized as a “war of aggression” by Russia. In light of this, Ramaphosa is anticipated to contribute positively towards lifting the prospects for peace amid the ongoing war, having extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a visit on April 10.

In addition to Ukraine’s ongoing situation, leaders will deliberate on various security concerns affecting the global landscape, including issues in the Middle East. Costa has expressed the hope that dialogue at the summit will enhance economic ties, energy transition efforts, security, and defence cooperation, while promoting strengthened multilateralism among nations.

The summit endeavors to bolster bilateral relations in trade, investment, and security sectors, with South Africa recognized as the EU’s largest trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa, achieving €49 billion in goods trade in 2023. Furthermore, the EU accounted for 53.7 percent of South Africa’s foreign direct investment in 2022, showcasing the mutual economic benefit for both regions under the Southern African Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC EPA) signed in 2016.

In summary, the eighth EU-South Africa summit represents a critical opportunity for EU leaders to enhance cooperation with South Africa on vital geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. By focusing on improved economic relations and multilateral efforts, the summit aims to strengthen the robust partnership fostered between the EU and South Africa.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr