Italy-South Africa bilateral political consultations led by Deputy Minister Cirielli and Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes held at the Italian Ministry of[...]

Bilateral political consultations between Italy and South Africa were held today at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Italian Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli and South African Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes led their respective delegations.

Deputy Minister Cirielli congratulated South Africa on the country's democratic tradition, thirty years after the end of Apartheid, and on South Africa's upcoming G20 Presidency. Italy and South Africa stressed the importance of the bilateral consultations as a bridge between the G7 Presidency, held by Italy in 2024, and the G20 Presidency, to be held by South Africa for the first time starting on 1 December 2024. Italy and South Africa recognised the key role played by both countries in the multilateral fora to which they belong, starting with the United Nations.

Deputy Minister Cirielli noted that the strengthening of relations between Rome and Pretoria was an important step for the growth of both nations. South Africa is a significant economic partner for Italy in sub-Saharan Africa, as demonstrated by the levels of bilateral trade, which amounted to EUR 4.5 billion in 2023. The Italian community in the country counts around 37,000 compatriots, making it the largest on the Continent, and is fully integrated into society.

The development and stability of the African continent, in which South Africa plays a leading role, are issues of utmost concern for Italy, which has also promoted projects in line with the Mattei Plan for Africa, founded on an equal partnership logic, within the G7 framework. In this context, interesting prospects are also offered to South Africa by the Italian Climate Fund. The Parties also reaffirmed their commitment to continue their bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the future.