As he concluded his working visit in Canada, for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit Outreach Session, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted Canada’s comprehensive Africa strategy, which he said held potential for cooperation in areas where there was alignment with the African Agenda.

He pointed out that several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels, and he welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between both countries as it relates to the Group of Twenty (G20) and the G7.

Ramaphosa participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session, on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, where he noted that South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner.

Ramaphosa’s participation at the G7 Leaders’ Summit was an opportunity for South Africa to pursue strategic alignment within the framework of G7-G20 cooperation, said the Presidency.

Ramaphosa said South Africa sought greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development.

Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa Vincent Magwenya explained that the Outreach Session aimed “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.

He said the Outreach theme resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa's G20 Presidency. 

“The Outreach Sessions of the G7 in which President Ramaphosa participated in have been a feature of the Group over the years, with the aim to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues,” he explained.

Ramaphosa noted that the G7 should support the efforts of the Global South to create a fair, just and inclusive global order that would foster sustainable development and that the G7 should support the reform of international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council and the global financial architecture.

Ramaphosa held bilateral meetings on issues of mutual interest with other heads of State and government, from Canada, France, Germany and South Korea.

Canada assumed the Presidency of the G7 on January 1.

The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The EU also participates in G7 Summits, although it is not a member.