Lisbon, Portugal – Today, on Friday, May 19, 2023, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, engaged in a productive meeting with her Portuguese counterpart, Minister João Gomes Cravinho, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal. The meeting took place as part of Minister Pandor’s working visit to Lisbon, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between South Africa and Portugal.
The Bilateral Talks between the two Ministers primarily focused on the preparations for an upcoming State Visit to South Africa by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal. Both Ministers expressed their commitment to ensuring the success of this important visit, which serves as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and enhance diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In addition to the State Visit preparations, the discussions between Minister Pandor and Minister Cravinho encompassed a wide range of topics, including the bilateral relations between South Africa and Portugal. The Ministers acknowledged the historical ties between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in various sectors, such as trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Furthermore, the Ministers engaged in talks on multilateral cooperation, recognizing the importance of working together on global challenges. They emphasized the need for closer collaboration within international forums and organizations to address issues of common concern, such as climate change, sustainable development, and peacekeeping efforts.
During the meeting, Minister Pandor and Minister Cravinho also exchanged views on regional and international matters that affect both countries. They discussed common interests and challenges, including regional security, peace initiatives, and efforts to promote stability in Africa and Europe. The Ministers emphasized the significance of dialogue and cooperation in finding effective solutions to these shared concerns.
Minister Pandor expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to her by the Portuguese government during her visit. She emphasized the mutual benefits of deepening cooperation between South Africa and Portugal and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to further enhance the existing bilateral relations.
The meeting between Minister Pandor and Minister Cravinho showcased the strong and growing bond between South Africa and Portugal. The discussions held during the Bilateral Talks not only paved the way for President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s State Visit but also reinforced the commitment of both nations to collaborate on a wide range of issues for the benefit of their respective countries and the broader global community.
As Minister Pandor’s working visit to Lisbon continues, it is expected that further engagements and agreements will be made to foster deeper cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration between South Africa and Portugal in various fields of mutual interest.
