Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD met with the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor on July 18, during a series of engagements in Pretoria.
During a visit to Waterkloof Airforce Base, the Tánaiste and President Ramaphosa discussed the close bonds of friendship between the people of Ireland and South Africa, and trade links between our nations.
The Tánaiste updated President Ramaphosa on developments in Northern Ireland, and thanked him for his, and South Africa’s, pivotal role in the peace process during the 1990s.
The pair also discussed Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the African Peace Initiative spearheaded by South Africa.
Earlier, the Tánaiste marked Mandela Day with Minister Pandor at the Bophelong Community Centre in Mamelodi, before wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, human rights, Women, Peace and Security, regional issues in Africa, and the Middle East.
Speaking after the meetings, the Tánaiste said:
“The meetings with President Ramaphosa and Minister Pandor were a welcome opportunity to celebrate our two nation’s enduring friendship on Mandela Day, a day when South Africa reflects on and commemorates Mandela’s enduring legacy.”
“I updated the President on developments in Northern Ireland and thanked him for his personal support and the support of South Africa during the peace process.”
“With Minister Pandor, we had a good discussion on strengthened cooperation in education, the importance of protecting Human Rights, regional issues in Africa, the Middle East, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
“Next year, Ireland will host the Joint Commission on Cooperation in Dublin, which will allow us to take stock on the wide range of areas of cooperation between our two countries. I look forward to further increasing our close and excellent cooperation with south Africa in the future.”
