25 February 2023
On Thursday, 23 February 2023, The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini , co-chaired the 5th South Africa-Philippines Bilateral Consultative Forum (BCF). with Ms. Theresa Lazaro, Undersecretary of Bilateral Relations and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.
The BCF between South Africa and the Philippines will further consolidate the existing bilateral cooperation, discuss important bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, and afford an opportunity to review existing bilateral agreements and to make proposals on further agreements that may be needed to enhance cooperation in various fields.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training, Research and Development between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines will be signed during the BCF.
There is a steady growth of South African exports to the Philippines from various sectors. Sales of South African wines, juices and fruits have shown a marked increase and are available on retail shelves across the Philippines. There exists potential for closer and more beneficial relations with the Philippines.
The two countries have undertaken efforts to enhance bilateral trade and commercial relations with total bilateral trade for 2022 at R3.511 billion, with South African exports at R 974 million and imports valued at R2.537 billion.
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