EU Applauds South Africa For Championing Multilateralism At G20 Summit

The European Union has commended South Africa for placing multilateral cooperation at the heart of its G20 agenda, saying stronger, rules-based partnerships are crucial in today’s global environment.

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Speaking at a media briefing on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc would reinforce its commitment to fair and rules-driven trade.

European Council President António Costa added that the EU would remain a predictable and reliable partner in tackling shared priorities such as financing, climate change, the just energy transition and the development of critical minerals.

EU Affirms Commitment to SA After Signing Key Partnership Deals

Just a day after concluding major agreements with South Africa on trade, investment and critical minerals, European Union leaders said they were ready to boost cooperation further when meeting with the African Union next week.

Von der Leyen appeared to reference the United States’ tariff policies when she emphasised the EU’s approach to global trade. She said the bloc was a partner “that plays by the rules”.

“Above all, we deliver mutual gains in trade and investment, which in turn deliver good jobs. We believe in the mutual gain in trade and investment.”

Focus on Clean Energy Collaboration Between EU and Africa

Von der Leyen noted that Africa’s renewable energy capacity must be expanded, with its vast solar potential positioned as a key driver of future growth.

“For the clean transitions to really succeed, it must happen everywhere. And this is where reliable cooperation between trusted partners is again, the best way forward.”

She added that the European Union aimed to become Africa’s partner of choice in addressing the imbalance in the global two trillion dollar investment into clean energy.

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