Tshwane, 27 June 2023 (TDI): Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, received the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in South Africa for the 11th Bi-National Commission Meeting.
Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General of DRISCO, said that Bi-National Commission Meetings are a great way to manage the relationship between two countries.
South Africa only holds the Bi-National Commission Meeting with its closest allies and this is a great way to strengthen the relationship as well.
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Ahead of the meeting, the working groups met and decided on the contents for discussion in the meeting.
Cooperation
Department of Science and Innovation and the German agency GIZ signed an agreement on Cooperation on Vaccine Production.
Joint Protocols were also signed in preparation for COP28, just energy transition, and green hydrogen as well.
Naledi Pandor and Annalena Baerbock Co-chaired the meeting. Global issues like Climate change were also discussed.
Matters regarding the G20 Compact with Africa were also discussed in the meeting.
Geo-political issues affecting Africa and Europe and multilateral issues like South Africa hosting BRICS and peace and security agenda were focused on as well.
Minister Annalena Baerbock also discussed the Russian Aggression into Ukraine and the recent Peace Mission led by South Africa.
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Naledi Pandor also emphasized the need to cooperate to improve the lives of women that are affected by the conflicts in their regions.
She also said that Germany is one of the most strategic international partners of South Africa.
Germany is a substantial trading partner and it is always investing in South Africa and is an important development partner.
South Africa receives 3rd highest number of tourists from Germany as well.
Clayson Monyela said that the BNC will play its part in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
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