The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentiloni, received the Foreign Minister of South Africa, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, today, 20 November 2015. The meeting took place against a background of revitalised bilateral relations with South Africa. “South Africa is an example of renaissance currently under way in the continent and a model of peaceful transition towards an inclusive democracy”. These were the words with which Minister Gentiloni welcomed his African counterpart.
Turning to economic relations between the two countries, Gentiloni observed that “South Africa is one of our principal commercial partners in the continent. The potential for bilateral economic and commercial cooperation remains great and it would be useful to organise a series of business-to-business missions in Italy and South Africa in the near future”. Gentiloni also expressed satisfaction over the excellent relations in cultural and inter-university cooperation and over the great interest South Africans have shown in Italian culture.
The talks focused not only on bilateral relations, but also on the principal crises affecting Sub-Saharan Africa, most notably in Sahel and the Horn of Africa, the Libyan and Syrian crises, and the migration flows related to them. “Italy and South Africa are firmly committed to finding a solution to the crises in the continent, which are among the main reasons for the migratory movements in Africa and towards Europe”, stated Gentiloni. “For Italy, South Africa is a key country for the pacification and stabilisation of Sub-Saharan Africa, indispensable conditions for the development of the continent”.
The two ministers also expressed their concern and sorrow over the events in Paris and Bamako. Lastly, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane invited Minister Gentiloni to South Africa, an invitation which he said he was delighted to accept.