The Hague, 23 November 2021 (TDI): South African Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, visited the Netherlands yesterday to attend a meeting of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).
During the visit, Foreign Minister Pandor also met with the Netherlands’ Queen Maxima, who serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
Both sides exchanged views on Women’s Digital and Financial Inclusion Collaboration in Africa. The meeting took place at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
JCC Meeting
While in the Netherlands, Dr. Naledi attended the second Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) meeting with Dr. Ben Knapen, the Dutch Foreign Minister. The meeting focused on ways to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two states.
The officials discussed cooperation between the Netherlands and South Africa in various fields, such as education, water management, trade, investment, agriculture, and science and technology.
TODAY | Minister Naledi Pandor in a tête-à-tête with Dr Ben Knapen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, ahead of the start of the Netherlands-South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). 🇿🇦🇳🇱 @SA_Embassy_NL pic.twitter.com/WMCizyKEQK
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 22, 2021
During the JCC meeting, the two sides also discussed cooperation on multilateral affairs related to peace and security, Covid-19, and human rights.
The Joint Commission for Cooperation provides a platform for regular meetings to be held between the representatives of various states. Moreover, it facilitates dialogue and cooperation between nations in the areas of mutual interest.
Visit to Clingendael Institute and the Port of Rotterdam
The South African Foreign Minister also visited a think tank, Clingendael Institute, in The Hague. The Institute has provided training to many South African diplomats in the past.
In addition, Dr. Pandor toured the Port of Rotterdam and met with Allard Castelein, the Port’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Earlier, the Rotterdam Port had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Africa’s Northern Cape Economic Development Agency to develop the Port of Boegoebaai.
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