Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
A European statement issued by the federal institutions in Brussels last night said that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and European Council President Charles Michel held a bilateral telephone conversation. The two leaders had a positive and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues that they share as strategic partners.
They reaffirmed the importance of the participation of South Africa and Europe in addressing the challenges facing global peace and security, and they also reaffirmed the importance of respecting international law. They both welcomed the recent bilateral Political and Security Dialogue Forum between South Africa and the European Union, and the Human Rights Dialogue held in Pretoria on 26-27 February 2024, and agreed to continue to intensify cooperation to support stability and prosperity.
In this regard, the two presidents discussed the importance of adhering to the United Nations Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially in Ukraine. Moreover, the two presidents stressed the importance of urgently addressing the situation in the Middle East, in particular reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, releasing the hostages, as well as providing humanitarian aid, recalling the orders of the International Court of Justice in this regard. Both stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the tensions in eastern DRC by supporting ongoing peace processes, and noted their appeal to the warring parties in Sudan for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. They also agreed to work closely in the lead-up to and during South Africa's next G20 presidency in 2025, including protecting and strengthening multilateral cooperation and the rules-based international order.
Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Charles Michel also discussed the strategic partnership between the European Union and South Africa, which has brought economic and social gains to both sides since its inception. They welcomed the recent engagement in Brussels and Pretoria to deepen and expand the partnership to include new areas of mutual interest, such as strategic value chains in the green hydrogen, biominerals and vaccines sectors, which will also support progress in regional integration and its implementation. African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Within this framework of close and regular cooperation, the two presidents agreed to hold a bilateral summit as soon as possible.