International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has successfully concluded his productive weeklong working visit to Washington D.C. in the United States of America (USA).

During his visit, he met with important stakeholders, such as the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, the Congressional Black Caucus, the US Chamber of Commerce, and various bipartisan think tanks.

Lamola emphasised the importance of the dynamic and evolving relationship between South Africa and the United States.

‘He expressed optimism about the potential for continued frank engagements on geopolitical matters based on mutual respect and identified areas for cooperation.

‘Moving forward, efforts to sustain important engagements regularly in a structured system will be explored at a high political level,’ a statement from the Department of the International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) read.

READ | Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

According to the department, the Minister highli
ghted the mutually beneficial nature of bilateral trade relations, with an emphasis on how moving forward, these relations can support South Africa’s goals of achieving rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation and a just society.

South Africa enjoys strategic relations with the USA and has strong political, economic, and social ties.

According to the department, bilateral cooperation with the United States covers various issues aligned with South Africa’s domestic priorities and the National Development Plan (NDP).

America is also the leading source of foreign direct investment, a market for value-added exports and agri-products, technology transfer, development assistance, investment finance, skills development, and tourism for South Africa.

The department believes that these investments make a significant contribution to supporting government efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Source: South African Government News Agency