Pretoria, South Africa– South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the European Union (EU) have refuted media reports suggesting a strained relationship between the two partners.
Recent articles claimed South Africa had ignored EU requests for a high-level summit, sparking speculation of tensions. Both DIRCO and the EU delegation in South Africa have branded these reports “misleading.”
“We have maintained regular communication throughout 2023 to prepare for this summit,” DIRCO stated in a press release. They pointed to a Ministerial Forum, high-level contacts, and ministerial visits as evidence of ongoing dialogue.
South Africa highlights intensified engagement in 2024, including meetings between ministers and a recent visit by EU ambassadors. They emphasize these interactions demonstrate a “strong, deep, and wide-ranging strategic partnership.”
EU Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer, echoed this sentiment on social media, calling the reports “false.”
Dear @news24 & @Bloomberg, this is false and misleading indeed. South Africa & the EU are working closely towards holding Summit. A quick check in with me or @Zwandid would have confirmed that for you. https://t.co/PWZ5Xd9W2l
— Sandra Kramer (@SandraKramerEU) April 8, 2024Both parties acknowledge a delay in scheduling the summit but assure they are working together to find a suitable date. DIRCO maintains that the postponement doesn’t reflect negatively on their relationship.