Dendias: Greece has a growing and active interest in Africa

Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias stressed in his Tuesday meeting in Pretoria with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Naledi Pandor, that "Greece has a growing and active interest in Africa,"

"Africa is one of the six pillars of our foreign policy and we would like to enhance our relations with South Africa, one of the most significant countries in the continent," said Greece's top diplomat.

"It is, for us, obvious that you play a very important role as a member of SADC, the South African Development Community, and the African Union. And you will have the Presidency of BRICS also. So where else to go, if I may say so," Dendias continued.

"Bilaterally, we have excellent relations. Of course, that does not mean that we cannot do more. These relations are based on respect of International Law, International Law of the Sea as well; you have subscribed to UNCLOS, which for us is extremely important," he added.

"I would like publicly also to thank you and express my appreciation for your support in our effort to be elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2025-26," Dendias stressed.

And, of course, I am so happy that we supported the candidacy of South Africa to the Human Rights Council for 2023-25," he underlined.

As the minister said, Greece also supports the deepening of relations between South Africa and the EU.

"I am very happy that Vice-President Borrell is coming to Pretoria - and we have discussed this with you - together with three Commissioners. It is important that we help European investments in Africa. And I was very happy to hear the way you see things, how things could progress."

This meeting, Dendias said, is an opening of a new chapter in enhancing relations. He also invited South Africa to participate in the "Our Ocean Conference" in 2024, which will be organised together with the USA.

A list of sectors for cooperation was also discussed such as tourism, energy, yachting and education. "I think we have lots to do, lots to build upon this solid foundation," he stressed.

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