Pretoria, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Ms. Mette Frederiksen, on Tuesday for a joint working visit aimed at solidifying South Africa’s relationship with the two European countries in the fields of green hydrogen, renewable energy, and just energy transition. The visit, which took place at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, highlights the growing importance of sustainable energy cooperation on the international stage.
The Prime Ministers’ visit to South Africa, at the invitation of President Ramaphosa, is expected to further strengthen cooperation and foster good relations between the countries. One of the significant outcomes anticipated from the visit is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa and the Netherlands on cooperation in the field of green hydrogen.
[SIGNING CEREMONY]: The Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Green Hydrogen between South Africa and the Netherlands was signed by Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands and acting Minister of Electricity Mondli Gungubele.#NetherlandsInSA 🇳🇱 #DenmarkInSA 🇩🇰… pic.twitter.com/ZTbCAlxKfy
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 20, 2023The joint working visit also serves as an opportunity to attract a substantial group of investors from the Netherlands and Denmark, reinforcing the existing high levels of cooperation between South Africa and these European partners. A series of joint bilateral talks and a business seminar have been scheduled to promote dialogue and explore potential avenues for collaboration.
As part of the visit, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) will host the Denmark-Netherlands-South Africa Business Forum, focusing on the theme “Green Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen Partnerships for Impact.” The forum aims to facilitate discussions and promote partnerships in key areas related to green energy and green hydrogen.
Official Talks: Joint Working Visit: Denmark and the Netherlands https://t.co/ypkzFh6Wub
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 20, 2023The business delegation accompanying Prime Minister Rutte includes prominent figures such as the CEOs of the Port of Rotterdam, Invest International (a project financing provider), and Gasunie (responsible for managing the gas transmission network in the Netherlands). Additionally, around 15 private companies will be part of the delegation, highlighting the interest and commitment from the private sector in promoting sustainable energy cooperation.
Today’s joint working visit also brings a substantial group of investors to South Africa to reinforce the high levels of cooperation and good relations between South Africa and two important European partners.#InvestSA 🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/VgrCB73R6q
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 20, 2023Prime Minister Frederiksen is also accompanied by a high-level business delegation, reflecting Denmark’s dedication to exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment in South Africa’s green energy sector.
Prior to addressing the business forum, delegates will participate in plenary sessions focusing on finance and skills development for local impact. Roundtable discussions will cover various topics, including the greening of industries, port development, support for industrial development, green mobility, fuel cells and electrolysers, and green energy generation.
