WeeklySA_AdminRely: South Africa would rely on support from the eu to alleviate poverty and grow SA’s industrial capacity
By Monk Nkomo
The European Union (EU) can play a catalytic role in unleashing the productive capacity of South Africa’s economy and equip its people , especially the youth, to participate in the economy of the future, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In his welcoming remarks to EU members at the 8th South Africa – EU Summit, Ramaphosa hoped that South Africa would continue to rely on the support of the EU and its member States in their efforts to alleviate poverty, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and grow South Africa’s industrial capacity.
He welcomed the support of the EU for Africa’s developmental needs and added that this Summit affirmed the country’s long-standing and close relationship, which was underpinned by the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership. This was a partnership based on shared values and common interests. A partnership that sought to create prosperity for the citizens and promote peace, safety and stability.
‘’We share a commitment to inclusive multilateralism as the most effective means to address the most pressing challenges facing the world’’, the President said.
This Summit was taking place at a time of global uncertainty characterised by rising unilateralism, economic nationalism and a retreat from international law and human rights.
Ramaphosa hoped South Africa would work closely with the EU and other partners to strengthen and reform institutions of global governance to make them more inclusive and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future.
‘’ We should collectively strengthen our voice in defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law including respect for international law and international humanitarian law.’’
South Africa agreed on the need to strengthen economic cooperation and resolve challenges in their trade relations. The country also shared a commitment to inclusive multilateralism as the most effective means to address the most pressing challenges facing the world.
In this Summit, Ramaphosa added, they aimed to further their constructive discussions on a new investment package by the EU to South Africa.
Through this, they aimed to consolidate cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education and skills development, climate action, peace and security, health and critical minerals.
South Africa was also forging ahead with far-reaching structural reforms to support economic recovery. The country was modernising and transforming key industries such as energy, water, transport and digital communications.
They had already made considerable progress, supported by institutions such as the European Investment Bank.
These reforms were contributing to the improvement of the country’s competitiveness and investment environment.
‘’As one of South Africa’s most important trade and investment partners, the European Union can play a catalytic role in unleashing the productive capacity of our economy and equip our people, especially the youth, to participate in the economy of the future’’.
Ramaphosa welcomed the European Union’s support for multilateral institutions and the fundamental principles of the United Nations.
African relations with the European Union should also be built on a mutually beneficial partnership in the spirit of shared ownership, responsibility, respect and mutual accountability.
‘’Today we will discuss our shared interest to advance peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent and across the world. On these and other critical matters, I look forward to productive deliberations that will chart the way for a strengthened Strategic Partnership between the European Union and South Africa.’’
