Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor met on Monday during the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, to discuss bolstering bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional and global issues. The two ministers affirmed their commitment to elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, encompassing cooperation and coordination across various sectors of mutual interest. Regarding the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip, Minister Shoukry expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and ongoing loss of life. He reiterated Egypt's condemnation of Israeli military actions and reaffirmed Egypt's ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Minister Shoukry also praised South Africa's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause in the International Court of Justice. The ministers emphasised the importance of enhancing coordination between Egypt and South Africa on a range ofAfrican issues, particularly those concerning the African Union, including the upcoming elections for the Commission leadership in 2025. They also discussed the ongoing crisis in Sudan, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to find a resolution to the armed conflict. Additionally, they reviewed developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Mozambique, exploring practical solutions to the challenges faced by these countries. The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war and its repercussions on the African continent were also key topics of discussion. The ministers acknowledged the potential role of African mediation in addressing this crisis, underscoring the need for continued coordination between Egypt and South Africa, given their pivotal roles in the African and international arenas. Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that both ministers recognised the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties to address these multifaceted challenges, considering the significant influence of both nations on the African continent and beyond.
