Cairo: International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Ronald Lamola, along with a business delegation, will today undertake a working visit to Cairo, in the Arab Republic of Egypt, to co-chair the South Africa-Egypt Political Consultations. The Minister will join his Egyptian counterpart, Dr Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriate Affairs, in the discussions set for 13 to 14 November.

According to South African Government News Agency, South Africa and Egypt have a historical relationship rooted in friendship, solidarity, and collaboration, having formally established diplomatic relations on 29 March 1995. The partnership is structured through the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which facilitates political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation between the two nations.

Minister Lamola stated that the visit will be accompanied by a South African business delegation of approximately 50 companies, aiming to explore investment and t
rade opportunities across various economic sectors. The visit will also serve as a platform to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has significantly exacerbated the humanitarian situation in the region.

Minister Lamola highlighted the gravity of the situation in Sudan, where political instability and economic pressures have left millions in need of humanitarian aid. He noted that the conflict has resulted in severe displacement, marking it as the largest displacement crisis globally, with over 8.1 million people displaced within Sudan.

The session will also focus on reinforcing efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and consolidating Africa’s Agenda 2063. The working visit aims to expand and strengthen the political and economic relations between South Africa and Egypt.