WORKING VISIT TO CAIRO TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES WITH THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will undertake a Working Visit to Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt from the 13th to 14th November 2024 to Co-chair the South Africa-Egypt Political Consultations with our counterpart Dr Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriate Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial political, economic, and social relations following the
formal establishment of diplomatic relations on 29 March 1995. These relations are historical
and based on friendship, solidarity, and collaboration between the peoples of both countries.
The Joint Commission for Cooperation is a structured bilateral mechanism that provides a
platform for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation between
the two countries.

DIRCO will be accompanied by a South African Business Delegation consisting of close to fifty
companies. The delegation will explore further investment and trade opportunities across a
range of economic sectors. The Working Visit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest, with an emphasis on the conflict in Sudan. Before the conflict, Sudan was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. Long-term political instability and economic pressures left 15.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid. The conflict has only exacerbated these conditions, leaving 25.6 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—in need.

The brutal conflict has forced more than 11 million people from their homes. The vast majority—over 8.1 million people—remain within Sudan, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world. Furthermore, the session will also reinforce the importance of accelerating efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and in consolidation of Africa’s Agenda 2063. The Working Visit will reinforce the commitment by both countries to expand and strengthen
political and economic relations.