On 5 May, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, met South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, to discuss priorities for bilateral and regional cooperation in the context of the EU – South Africa Strategic Partnership. The meeting took place in the margins of the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' Meeting in London.

The High Representative and the Minister exchanged views on developments concerning peace and security, the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern African region, and their plans for ensuring universal and equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines as well as preparations for the Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1 – 12 November 2021. They also discussed their approach to achieving post-COVID-19 sustainable economic recovery.

The High Representative highlighted opportunities for further strengthening existing EU – South Africa trade and investment relations in the context of the EU – SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He also expressed the EU’s readiness to support South Africa in its transition towards a net zero carbon economy by 2050. They also discussed the situation in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.