President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Brazil during his state visit to the Federal Republic of Brazil.

Speaking in Brasília on Monday after bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the President said discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries and pursuing mutually beneficial programs that support economic growth and development.

President Ramaphosa thanked the Government of Brazil for the warm welcome given to the South African delegation and described the talks as constructive and forward-looking.

The President also expressed condolences to the families affected by the recent floods and landslides in Minas Gerais state of Brazil.

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President Ramaphosa said, “We would like to express our respect for the victims of the recent floods and landslides in Minas Gerais state and our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.”

The state visit comes as South Africa celebrates the 30th anniversary of the adoption of its democratic constitution, a milestone which the President said provides an opportunity to reflect on the country's democratic progress and the sacrifices made during its struggle for independence.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged Brazil's solidarity with South Africa during the apartheid era, saying that the support of the Brazilian people contributed meaningfully to the achievements of South Africa's democracy.

The President said the visit comes amid renewed conflict in the Middle East and reiterated South Africa's call for peaceful resolution of disputes in line with the UN Charter.

He said, “We condemn the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of critical infrastructure. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”

The President emphasized that South Africa and Brazil share common priorities, including promoting equality, economic growth and poverty alleviation.

The President said, “These shared values ​​provide a strong foundation for building practical, mutually beneficial programs that advance our respective national development priorities. I am accompanied by a number of ministers and officials. Working with their Brazilian counterparts, this delegation is well-positioned to expand cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.”

strengthening trade relations

The President said that South Africa's dialogue with the Brazilian Government and the Business Forum is an important step in strengthening and expanding the strategic partnership.

He said the upcoming eighth session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission to be held later this year will further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The President further emphasized that South Africa is committed to strengthening cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing and value-added exports.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding economic relations between the two countries, including improving mutual market access through the preferential trade agreement between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market).

“It will be important to enhance mutual market access, including the MERCOSUR-SACU preferential trade agreement. Our trade delegation stands ready to pursue new commercial opportunities,” he said.