Lisbon, May 19, 2023 – Minister Naledi Pandor, the esteemed representative of the South African government, held a productive meeting today with Mr. Carlos Manuel Félix, the Mayor of Lisbon, at the City Hall. The encounter aimed to foster closer ties between South Africa and Portugal, exploring various avenues of cooperation and shared interests.
The bilateral meeting commenced with warm greetings and mutual appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the two nations. Both Minister Pandor and Mayor Félix emphasized the importance of diplomatic collaboration, underscoring the potential for strengthening economic, cultural, and educational ties.
During their discussion, Minister Pandor expressed South Africa’s interest in enhancing trade relations with Portugal. She highlighted the significant opportunities available in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, technology, and agriculture. The minister emphasized the need to leverage the existing economic frameworks and explore new avenues for investment, ultimately boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.
Mayor Félix reciprocated the enthusiasm, acknowledging the potential for collaboration in various fields. He commended South Africa’s strides in renewable energy and expressed a keen interest in learning from their experiences. Both leaders agreed on the value of knowledge sharing and fostering innovation through exchange programs and partnerships between universities and research institutions.
The cultural dimension of the relationship was also a focal point of the meeting. Minister Pandor expressed her desire to promote cultural exchange and understanding, emphasizing the significance of people-to-people connections. She proposed the organization of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and film screenings, which would allow citizens of both nations to explore each other’s rich cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the importance of tourism and the potential for increasing travel between South Africa and Portugal. The ministers discussed the possibility of promoting tourist destinations and encouraging direct flights to facilitate easier travel for tourists and businesspeople alike.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint working group consisting of officials from both countries. The group will be tasked with further exploring the identified areas of cooperation and formulating concrete proposals to advance the bilateral relationship. Regular dialogue and information sharing were also emphasized to ensure effective implementation of the agreed-upon initiatives.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Pandor expressed her optimism, stating, “Today’s meeting has laid a solid foundation for a new chapter of cooperation between South Africa and Portugal. We are confident that by working together, we can create mutually beneficial opportunities that will benefit our countries and peoples.”
Mayor Félix echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet Minister Pandor today. Our discussions have revealed immense potential for collaboration across various sectors. I look forward to working closely with South Africa and exploring the possibilities that lie ahead.”
As the meeting concluded on a positive note, it is evident that the diplomatic efforts of Minister Naledi Pandor and Mayor Carlos Manuel Félix have set the stage for an era of strengthened bilateral relations between South Africa and Portugal. The outcome of this meeting holds promise for mutually beneficial partnerships and increased cooperation, ushering in a new era of growth and prosperity for both nations.
