Holding of the ministerial session of the first Joint Commission for Cooperation between Burundi and South Africa

On friday november 4, 2022, the opening of the ministerial session of the first session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between Burundi and South Africa was held in Bujumbura. This session was organized in accordance with the agreement on the creation of the Joint Cooperation Commission which was signed between Burundi and South Africa on november 4, 2014. It was preceded by a meeting of experts from these two countries which was held from november 2 to 3, 2022 The Burundian delegation was led by Ambassador Albert SHINGIRO, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi and the South African delegation was led by Her Excellency Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and the Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa (Heads of Delegation). This session was opened by these two authorities.

In her opening speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, H.E Ambassador Albert SHINGIRO stressed the importance of the Joint Cooperation Commission as a solid basis for future bilateral engagements between the two countries. For him, it is an opportunity to realize their aspirations to advocate for stronger ties. This is why several issues for discussion were on the agenda.

In his speech, Her Excellency Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Burundi for hosting the first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Burundi and South Africa. She announced that the Joint Cooperation Commission enabled the two Ministers to take stock of the current state of bilateral relations while offering the opportunity to explore other areas of mutual interest.

The two Ministers welcomed the cordial and historical friendship, mutual respect, common values ​​and solidarity between the two countries not only on issues of bilateral interest, but also on the vision for the continent. It is quite this solidarity, this mutual respect and this common vision of a better Africa and a better world that illustrate the relationship between the two countries. They also welcomed the holding of the first session of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Burundi and South Africa, which provided great motivation to the excellent relations between the two brotherly countries and a platform for dialogue and cooperation. These two authorities have invited experts from both countries to ensure the rapid implementation of the decisions taken during the Joint Cooperation Commission.

Her Excellency Dr Pandor invited his Burundian counterpart to visit South Africa for the 2nd session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between the Republic of Burundi and the Republic of South Africa, which will be held in Pretoria in 2024. His Excellency Albert SHINGIRO approved the invitation, and both Parties agreed that the exact date will be communicated through diplomatic channels.