President Tajani meets South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa 

“Strengthening political, social and economic ties with Africa is one of our priorities,” stated European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani, after his meeting with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.

“South Africa is the second largest economy and the most industrialised country on the continent as well as the only African G20 country and BRICS member. It is an extremely important partner for us: the only country in Africa with which we have a Strategic Partnership.

“Ongoing reforms are helping to rebuild investor confidence, attract investments, create jobs for the youth, tackle corruption and improve citizens’ rights. Nevertheless, South Africa continues to suffer from structural challenges such as poverty, income inequality and unemployment. However, the country’s abundant supply of natural resources, well-developed financial and legal systems, strong energy and transport sectors, as well as its relatively modern infrastructure present enormous economic growth potential.

“The EU must be a partner to transform the country via European economic diplomacy. In the next Multilateral Financial Framework, EUR 40 billion should be earmarked for investment in Africa via a Marshall Plan crafted to create opportunity for European companies abroad and Africans at home.”

Presidents Tajani and Ramaphosa will hold a press point outside the protocol room today at 11:10. You can follow it live here.

Background information:

President Ramaphosa’s address is part of a series of visits by African leaders to the European Parliament. Since 2017, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Presidents of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, Guinea, Alpha Condé, and Angola, João Lourenço were invited to address plenary.

The EU is South Africa's number one trading and investment partner. This official visit takes place ahead of the 7th EU-South Africa summit held in Brussels on 15 November organised in the framework of the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership signed in 2007.