DIRCO Annual Report

In the spirit of the strong friendship and historical links between South Africa and India, President Ramaphosa, on 4 February 2021, had a virtual discussion on a number of issues of mutual interest with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Among the issues discussed was the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of cooperation to address the devastating impact it has on the global economy. On 1 February 2021, Minister Naledi Pandor also held a telephone call with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during which, among other issues, appreciation was conveyed to India for its readiness to assist with the procurement of vaccines for South Africa, as well as the larger African continent. In terms of the commercial relationship between South Africa and India, both trade and tourism were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Middle East

and machinery showing positive trade balances. Despite the impact of the pandemic, total trade in the Middle East for 2020 amounted to R122 billion, with a trade deficit of R40.7 billion, due almost exclusively to oil and refined petroleum exports. The region, therefore, has been, and will remain, of crucial importance to South Africa in terms of its own reconstruction and recovery initiatives. Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) and support for Palestine The plight of the Palestinian people remained a commitment in all of South Africa’s engagements with social partners across the globe. The establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side-by-side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, which came into existence on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in compliance with all relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters, remained a key priority for South Africa during this period of reporting. Pursuant to the Palestinian cause, on 11 July 2020, President Ramaphosa had a virtual meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss “the political situation in Palestine”, wherein President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s support for Palestine’s proposal to hold an international peace conference to pave the way for the resumption of the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The Middle East featured prominently during the 2020/21 performance cycle. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, there have been several bilateral interactions, both virtually and in-person, during which South Africa and its partners from the Middle East were able to establish joint strategies to advance relations and deepen bilateral political and economic ties. Export growth has been witnessed in a number of key areas, particularly in agricultural products (live animals, fruit and nuts and vegetables) with precious metals, iron, steel, aircraft

Department of International Relations and Cooperation

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