Diplomatic Inside
South Africa and France reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic ties during the Ninth Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue held on 16 May 2025. The high-level talks, co-chaired by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, took place in La Celle Saint-Cloud, a commune outside Paris.
The bilateral meeting highlighted the “warm and cordial relations” between the two nations, with both delegations exchanging views on pressing global, regional, and bilateral matters. The forum provided an opportunity to reflect on progress in cooperation across various sectors, including education, energy, science and technology, trade, and climate change.
Minister Lamola thanked the French government for its continued support in offering scholarships to South African students and welcomed new initiatives aimed at facilitating youth employment. A notable development was the discussion of a technical agreement on Cooperation on Labour and Employment for Graduates and Young Professionals, which both Ministers anticipate will boost bilateral skills development.
The two countries welcomed the progress in finalising agreements in peaceful nuclear cooperation, maritime search and rescue, and environmental protection—including efforts to jointly safeguard the Crozet and Prince Edward Islands’ marine ecosystems.
On international matters, Ministers Lamola and Barrot aligned their positions on the urgency of upholding multilateralism and respect for international law. France congratulated South Africa on assuming the G20 Presidency and pledged support for its priorities under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
Both parties also addressed pressing conflicts in Africa, particularly the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Mozambique. They underscored the importance of a coordinated diplomatic approach to resolving regional crises.
The meeting also covered global geopolitical concerns. On the Russia-Ukraine war, both Ministers advocated for an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated settlement in line with the UN Charter. Regarding the Middle East, France invited South Africa to attend the upcoming international conference on the Two-State solution in New York this June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. South Africa also briefed the French delegation on its legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Looking ahead, the Ministers welcomed the upcoming visit by South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile to France from 21 to 24 May. The visit, expected to include key Ministers and business leaders, will feature the South Africa–France Investment Conference, aimed at boosting trade and strategic partnerships.
As the forum concluded, Minister Lamola expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality extended by the French government, stating that he looked forward to welcoming his French counterpart to South Africa later this year for the G20 Summit.