French President Emmanuel Macron & South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday host President Emmanuel Macron of France.
Macron arrives in South Africa for his first visit as the head of state of the European country.
His visit to South Africa is at the invitation of Ramaphosa, who will host him at the Union Buildings.
The two heads of state will pay a visit to the Vaccine Production Support Initiative for Africa at the University of Pretoria.
According to a statement by the Presidency, the visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation within the strategic partnership framework between South Africa and France, and within the framework of existing bilateral agreements, as well as deepen understanding regarding multilateral and global issues of mutual concern, such as the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council.
The presidents will discuss trade and investment, including technical skills training in South Africa, in collaboration with the private sector and establishing a predictable framework of cooperation between Africa and the United Nations and its agencies, in ensuring peace and security on the African continent.
The ministerial delegation to meet Macron includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor; Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize; Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel; and Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Presidency said South Africa is France's largest trading partner in Africa, while France is South Africa's second-largest trading partner in the European Union.
"France is a major investor in South Africa and a significant development partner. During the 2019 South Africa Investment Conference, French companies pledged R20-billion of investment to the country," the Presidency said.
It is also expected the two leaders will deliberate on climate change, peace and security on the African continent, focus on issues about the global response to Covid-19, and the economic, health, research and manufacturing responses to the current pandemic and beyond.