Africa-Press – South-Africa. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Paris for an official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries. This visit culminated in the signing of a new partnership agreement, with both sides affirming a broad consensus on several international issues.
During the discussions, the two presidents agreed to establish an annual bilateral dialogue at the level of foreign ministers, reflecting the evolving relationship between Paris and Pretoria.
The foreign ministers of both countries signed the new agreement, which stipulates the formation of a joint ministerial committee comprising officials from the foreign ministries. This committee will hold an annual meeting to review the trajectory of bilateral relations and develop areas of cooperation.
A French diplomatic source confirmed that the meeting demonstrated a notable convergence in the positions of both countries regarding several international files, including the war in the Middle East, the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and efforts to combat the Ebola epidemic.
The South African president arrived in the French capital on Friday afternoon, where he was welcomed by President Macron at the Élysée Palace. The two leaders exchanged greetings and handshakes before commencing the official talks, which concluded with the signing of the partnership agreement.
According to the diplomatic source, this visit strengthens the relations described as “excellent” between the two countries and comes after months of diplomatic tension experienced in March, when South Africa accused France of withdrawing its invitation to the G7 summit under pressure from the United States.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to continue his visit to France by meeting with representatives from major French companies before participating on Sunday in the commemorative ceremonies for the Battle of the Somme, where over three thousand South African soldiers were killed during World War I.
