Press Releases
Japan-South Africa Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On June 26, commencing at around 3:25 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with Hon. Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The overview is as follows.
1. At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his respect for the efforts by South Africa, as the Chair of the African Union (AU), to lead the way in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic not only in the country but also in other African countries. Minister Motegi explained to Minister Pandor Japan’s cooperation towards South Africa and other African countries relating to the response to COVID-19, and she expressed her gratitude for the assistance. The both Ministers concurred that Japan and South Africa would work closely to prevent the spread of infections.
2. Minister Motegi expressed his gratitude for the support of the South African government in the repatriation of approximately 150 Japanese nationals in South Africa and requested continued cooperation. In response, expressing her gratitude for the support of Japan in the repatriation of South African nationals residing in Japan, Minister Pandor stated that she intends to promote cooperation between the two countries during this difficult time. Minister Motegi also introduced that Japanese companies operating in South Africa were engaged in activities such as producing medical face shields and contributing to the efforts of the communities to contain the spread of COVID-19.
3. he both Ministers shared the view to hold the next Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum as early as possible once exchanges could be resumed. They also exchanged their views on cooperation in the international arena, including United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, and also on the issue of North Korea.
