Lisbon, Portugal – Dr. Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, has wrapped up her official visit to Lisbon, Portugal, after holding productive bilateral talks with her counterpart, João Gomes Cravinho. The discussions focused on reviewing the strong bilateral relations between South Africa and Portugal, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
During the meeting, Ministers Pandor and Cravinho discussed the preparations for the upcoming State Visit to South Africa by His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal. The State Visit, scheduled for June 2023, highlights the importance of further strengthening ties between the two nations.
The ministers acknowledged the existing collaboration between South Africa and Portugal in various sectors, including basic and higher education, science and technology, defense, trade, and investment. They emphasized the shared commitment to enhancing these partnerships for mutual benefit and sustainable development.
South Africa is home to approximately 500,000 individuals of Portuguese descent, while around 200,000 Portuguese nationals reside in South Africa. This cultural exchange and diaspora connection further reinforce the bond between the two countries.
In addition to the bilateral talks, Minister Pandor met with representatives of Portuguese companies operating in South Africa. She outlined the measures taken by the South African government to maintain an attractive environment for foreign direct investment. The minister also had a meeting with Mr. Carlos Manuel Félix Moedas, the Mayor of the City of Lisbon, to discuss areas of potential cooperation.
Furthermore, Minister Pandor utilized her presence in Lisbon to hold talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, HE Dmytro Kuleba, at the Ukrainian Embassy. She briefed Minister Kuleba about the upcoming mission to Kiev and Moscow by a committee of six African Heads of State and Government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa. Minister Kuleba expressed Ukraine’s warm welcome and anticipation for the African leaders’ visit to Kiev.
Minister Pandor concluded her visit with a courtesy call on President de Sousa, during which she conveyed President Ramaphosa’s eagerness to host President de Sousa on his forthcoming State Visit to South Africa. This meeting further emphasized the commitment of both nations to deepening their bilateral relations and fostering cooperation on various fronts.
The successful visit of Minister Pandor to Portugal strengthens the ties between South Africa and Portugal and paves the way for enhanced collaboration in key sectors. The discussions held during this visit contribute to the shared vision of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development between the two nations.
