The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is in Dakar, Senegal, for a two-day working visit to strengthen diplomatic ties and deepen bilateral cooperation between the nations.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Lamola’s visit underscores South Africa’s commitment to advancing strategic partnerships with Senegal and fostering pan-African solidarity.
On Wednesday, the Minister met with his Senegalese counterpart, Minister Yassine Fall, to ensure greater cooperation between the two countries.The two leaders also co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ministerial Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation.
“This historic session establishes a structured framework for enhanced collaboration on mutual priorities, including political dialogue, economic cooperation, regional integration, and multilateral coordination,” the statement read.
The department believes that the Ministerial Joint Commission represents a milestone in formalising high-level dialogue between South Africa and Senegal.
“This platform reflects our shared vision to consolidate bilateral relations and amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage. Through deepened diplomatic and economic collaboration, we aim to unlock new opportunities for our nations and the continent,” Lamola explained.
Meanwhile, the Minister is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
“These engagements will reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to strengthening political and economic partnerships with Senegal, aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The working visit is said to build on the longstanding fraternal relations between South Africa and Senegal, rooted in mutual respect and a common vision for African progress.
The department stated that both nations are poised to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, peace and security, and climate action while advancing multilateral reforms to promote a more equitable global governance system.
“Minister Lamola’s visit epitomises South Africa’s proactive and progressive foreign policy, which prioritises African partnerships to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“The outcomes of the Ministerial Joint Commission are expected to pave the way for innovative bilateral initiatives and reinforce South Africa-Senegal relations as a cornerstone of intra-Africa trade,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za
