Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hayashi Yoshimasa, met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on March 18 during the latter’s visit to Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion, which lasted about 15 minutes, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Welcoming Mashatile and his delegation, Hayashi acknowledged the significance of their visit, coinciding with South Africa’s G20 presidency, Japan’s hosting of TICAD 9, and 115 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He commended the increasing high-level exchanges and deepening collaboration between Japan and South Africa, both in government and private sectors.
Mashatile expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit Japan and conveyed his commitment to expanding cooperation in multiple fields. The discussions also touched on energy security, with Hayashi advocating for a balanced approach to energy transition while ensuring stability. He called for continued efforts to enhance South Africa’s business environment to support Japanese companies operating in the country.
Mashatile, in turn, acknowledged Japan’s role in South Africa’s renewable energy sector and voiced optimism for expanded collaboration, particularly in decarbonization efforts and attracting further investment from Japanese businesses.
