Dr. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, expressed her warm welcome to Egypt as it officially joined the ranks of the BRICS nations, marking a significant expansion of the group’s membership.
In a statement delivered on Friday, Minister Pandor hailed Egypt’s inclusion as a milestone that amplifies the global influence of the South. The BRICS consortium, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has broadened its scope by admitting four new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Pandor’s remarks came during her participation in the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held in Pretoria, where she co-chaired with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.
Emphasizing the need for enhanced economic ties between South Africa and Egypt, Minister Pandor stressed the importance of bolstering trade and investment partnerships. She underscored the pivotal role of collaborative efforts between the private sector and state-owned entities, signaling the imminent establishment of a Business Council to facilitate such collaborations.
The decision to form the Business Council, announced by Minister Pandor, is expected to streamline trade and investment activities between the two countries, providing a structured framework for coordination and mobilization of opportunities.
Minister Pandor also urged leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to facilitate smoother trade flows, citing its role in reducing trade barriers and fostering preferential trade relationships, which she deemed mutually beneficial for both nations and the wider African continent.
At the beginning of his visit to Pretoria to lead the Egyptian delegation to the joint committee between Egypt and South Africa, Sameh Shoukry holds political consultations with his South African counterpart Dr. Naledi Pandor.@DIRCO_ZA pic.twitter.com/ufPomYG3Ok
— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) April 19, 2024Acknowledging the longstanding bonds of solidarity between South Africa and Egypt, Minister Pandor paid tribute to Egypt’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, which ultimately paved the way for the country’s transition to democracy.
Looking ahead, Minister Pandor emphasized the significance of regional integration, highlighting the Cape to Cairo nexus as a guiding principle for strengthening ties across the African continent.
During the JCC session, Minister Pandor outlined the extensive scope of bilateral cooperation covered by the framework, spanning various sectors including trade, agriculture, infrastructure, health, tourism, and consular affairs. She also anticipated the conclusion of several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the session.
Touching upon global conflicts, Minister Pandor called for heightened vigilance and concerted efforts from the international community to promote peace and stability. She underscored the role of the United Nations and regional organizations in addressing conflicts decisively.
Expressing concern over the erosion of multilateralism, Minister Pandor condemned unilateral actions that undermine global governance structures and emphasized the need for collective action to uphold international law and justice.
Minister Pandor also addressed ongoing humanitarian crises, including the situation in Palestine and the plight of the Saharawi people, urging for urgent action to address these challenges.