South Africa to strengthen economic ties with Spain

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa looks forward to working with Spain to deepen economic ties, especially in areas of common economic interest like citrus farming.

South Africa and Spain are the two largest exporters of citrus fruit globally.

President Ramaphosa is hosting his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Ramaphosa says it’s important to iron out any issues that may inhibit trade relations.

President Perez-Castejon, speaking through a translator, says the world is facing economic crises – including the situation in Ukraine.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Spain President Pedro Sánchez hope to strengthen relationships:

The two countries are committed to preserving and strengthening the rules-based multilateral system as the primary instrument for the resolution of conflicts and other global challenges.

“We pledged to work together to achieve a prosperous, secure and peaceful future for those areas on our respective continents facing conflict and instability,” says Ramaphosa.

Climate change

President Ramaphosa says the collective response to climate change has increased support for green, sustainable energy policies and technologies. Several Spanish companies are active in the renewable energy sector in South Africa.

“We want to see such investments expanded. President Sánchez and I reaffirmed the bonds of friendship and solidarity between our two countries.”

According to the Department of International Relations, South Africa and Spain enjoy warm and stable relations. The expectation is that further interest in bilateral relations between the two will be stimulated by the state visit.

Minister Naledi Pandor explains: