The declaration of intent follows a day-long meeting between deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Steven Vanackere, and South Africa’s international relations minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
Nkoana-Mashabane said Belgium was an important partner who could help South Africa meet several societal and business priorities, a view that Vanackere backed.
Vanackere added that Belgium was committed to working closely with South Africa in the identification and implementation of various projects. These have the potential to help South Africa achieve several developmental objectives, especially in the education and skills development sector.
During the meeting, the two ministers agreed to consolidate trade relations. During the six-day visit, Vanackere will also have discussions with the minister of defence, Lindiwe Sisulu.
Belgium remains among South Africa’s top ten trading partners and the eighth-fastest growing export destination. The European Union was the number one destination for South African exports. Belgian ports remained an important entry point through which South African exports found their way to countries, both within and outside of the EU.
