South Africa and the European Union have pledged to support multilateralism, formalizing a partnership on critical minerals. The agreement was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The signing occurred ahead of the G20 summit, which South Africa is hosting.
President Ramaphosa stated that the partnership would enable South Africa to move beyond simple mineral extraction. He explained that the nation aims to process these minerals domestically to advance its position in the global value chain. European leaders are seeking to secure a reliable supply of metals essential for the clean energy transition and other technologies, diversifying from existing sources.
Both parties affirmed their commitment to defending shared principles, including democracy and human rights. This agreement strengthens ties between South Africa and the EU, two of its most significant trading partners, amid a complex global diplomatic landscape.
President Ramaphosa stated that the partnership would enable South Africa to move beyond simple mineral extraction. He explained that the nation aims to process these minerals domestically to advance its position in the global value chain. European leaders are seeking to secure a reliable supply of metals essential for the clean energy transition and other technologies, diversifying from existing sources.
Both parties affirmed their commitment to defending shared principles, including democracy and human rights. This agreement strengthens ties between South Africa and the EU, two of its most significant trading partners, amid a complex global diplomatic landscape.
