Thank you very much Mr. President, dear Cyril, for the very warm welcome we received here, me and my dear friend António Costa.

It is a pleasure to meet here in Cape Town. South Africa and Europe are united by common passions such as literature, sports, nature, and wines. Most importantly, we are united by shared values and common interests. Both regions emerged from conflict and suffering, guided by visionary leaders who chose reconciliation over recrimination. South Africa stands as a symbol of hope for the world. As Albie Sachs said, South Africa gives hope that all societies can heal, unite, and emerge stronger. In todays fractured world, with major wars resurfacing on both continents, this message of hope is crucial. Our cooperation matters more than ever.

We are here to strengthen the ties between our nations and citizens. South Africa plays a vital role on the world stage as a leading voice of the Global South. We share democratic values and a commitment to unity and diversity, along with common interests like peace, stability, sustainable growth, and supply chain strength.

This Summit allows us to reflect on our relationship and explore ways to enhance it. Firstly, in trade and investment, South Africa is our closest partner in Africa, our only strategic partner on the continent. We engage in almost EUR 50 billion in trade annually, with 98% of your exports to the EU duty and quota free. Today, we announce an investment package to mobilize over EUR 4.7 billion in South Africa, focusing on clean energy transition and boosting vaccine manufacturing. This serves mutual interests, protecting health and diversifying supply chains.

Secondly, we launch negotiations on the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership. The South African economy is growing, with ambitions for added value. Europe sees your potential, especially in the clean hydrogen value chain. With abundant wind and sun energy, critical raw materials, and a rising industry, South Africa can become a global leader. European companies are interested in investing, needing more incentives. The Partnership supports investments in clean energy, raw materials, and green hydrogen, boosting local industry with future production agreements, and facilitating trade to Europe.

Thirdly, we enhance cooperation on science and technology. South Africa is the best-represented African country in European research, with funding for over 140 innovation projects. Over 1,000 South Africans studied and taught in European universities last year, and we encourage more student exchanges through your Presidential PhD program. We are increasing cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, climate, and health research. Europe remains open for business and talented individuals worldwide.

President Ramaphosa, dear Cyril,

2025 is a crucial year for EU-South Africa cooperation. We work closely with you on your G20 Presidency, and I look forward to returning to Johannesburg in November for the Leaders Summit. In a time of global confrontation and competition, we must strengthen our partnership, ensuring a future built on cooperation, human dignity, and stable relations. We offer predictability and reliability. Thank you for welcoming us today.