Pretoria: South Africa and Brazil are intensifying their Strategic Partnership to amplify the voice of the Global South, aiming to reform the global financial structure and leverage critical minerals for economic growth. This was emphasized by South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola during the Eighth Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission in Pretoria, which he co-chaired with Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Joint Commission convened amidst significant challenges to the multilateral system and global peace. Lamola highlighted the vital role of South Africa and Brazil in defending multilateralism and advocating for the interests of developing nations, describing their efforts as crucial in the face of current global headwinds.
Lamola emphasized the strategic position of both nations as bridge builders between the Global North and Global South due to their economic leadership on their respective continents. He pointed out the consistent collaboration in multilateral forums to push for reforms in global governance, reflecting the aspirations of many in the international community.
The urgent need to reform the global financial system was underscored, with Lamola citing the burdensome debt servicing in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He noted that over half of Africa's population lives in countries prioritizing debt payments over essential services like health and education. Similarly, in Latin America and the Caribbean, a significant population faces the same challenges.
Lamola highlighted the use of the G20 forum by South Africa and Brazil to scrutinize these inequalities and advocate for substantial reforms. The Minister also pointed to the untapped potential of critical minerals in both countries, essential for the green economy transition. He warned against repeating historical patterns of exporting raw materials without capturing the value and benefits domestically.
Further, Lamola expressed optimism about the potential for South Africa and Brazil to collaborate on ensuring that critical minerals drive industrialization and technological advancement within their economies. The Joint Commission aims to explore enhanced bilateral economic ties and market access, with Brazil being South Africa's largest trading partner in Latin America.
The discussions also touched upon the African Continental Free Trade Area, offering Brazilian companies access to a vast African market, while providing South African companies a gateway into Latin America and the Caribbean. The SACU-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement was noted as a platform for building stronger trade relations.
Lamola expressed South Africa's eagerness to finalize the Agreement on Investment Promotion, Cooperation, Facilitation, and Protection, which would bolster mutually beneficial investments. The two countries plan to explore new cooperation areas, including aggrotech, aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, and more.
Tourism ties were also discussed, with Brazil now South Africa's ninth-largest source market. The recovery of Brazilian tourists to pre-pandemic levels has been facilitated by a bilateral visa agreement and expanded direct flights.
The Joint Commission follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent State Visit to Brazil, reinforcing the Strategic Partnership grounded in a shared history of colonial resistance and social justice struggles. Lamola recalled former President Nelson Mandela's historic visit to Brazil, underscoring the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
Emphasizing the importance of democratic resilience, Lamola conveyed confidence in Brazil's democracy as it approaches its elections, affirming South Africa's view of Brazil as a steadfast ally in creating a more just and equitable international order.
The ongoing session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission will evaluate progress in existing collaborations and identify new opportunities to enhance their Strategic Partnership.