On Monday, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and the latest regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Minister Shoukry began the meeting by congratulating his counterpart on the successful and peaceful election process in South Africa, which he said respects and fulfills the aspirations of the South African people. The ministers discussed enhancing cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing their commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This partnership would involve mutual cooperation and coordination on all priority issues for both countries, benefiting their respective populations, according to Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesperson and Director of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The spokesperson added that regarding the latest developments in Gaza and the situation at the Rafah crossing, Minister Shoukry warned of the severe humanitarian consequences and ongoing loss of life. He underscored Egypt’s rejection of all military actions and significant Israeli violations in Palestinian Rafah. Shoukry highlighted Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Shoukry praised South Africa’s supportive stance on the Palestinian issue at the International Court of Justice, emphasizing the need for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Ambassador Abu Zeid noted that the ministers affirmed the importance of enhancing coordination between Egypt and South Africa on all African issues, particularly those related to the African Union. They discussed the upcoming 2025 African Union Commission elections and the need to enhance governance and institutional reform. The ministers also addressed the ongoing Sudanese crisis, stressing the importance of intensified joint efforts to reach solutions that would end the armed conflict.
The discussions included the situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Northern Mozambique, exploring practical and actionable solutions to address the challenges facing these African nations.
The dialogue also covered the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the potential role of African mediation in light of the conflict’s impact on African countries.
The ministers reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining the existing coordination between Egypt and South Africa on all these issues and challenges, given the significant roles both countries play on the African stage, owing to their considerable international and regional influence.
