Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Japan, during a working visit marking 115 years of relations between the two nations.
Speaking at United Nations University in Tokyo, the Mashatile underscored South Africa’s ongoing collaboration with Japan, highlighting the Strategic Cooperation Partnership established in 2010.
“This year, the two countries celebrate a significant milestone of 115 years of relations,” he said.
He also praised Japan’s significant investment in South Africa – currently 273 companies operate in the country sustaining over 200 000 local jobs.
“These ties have particularly flourished in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology, and education and skills development assistance. Japan is a significant investor in the South African economy, with 273 firms operating in the country, hence sustaining over 200 000 local employment opportunities for many South Africans,” he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Mashatile held fruitful engagements with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, as well as chief cabinet secretary, Hayashi Yoshimasa. He said these meetings were a sign of the significant people and trade relations between the two sister countries.
Beyond economic ties, cultural exchanges were also in focus. Mashatile visited the historic Meiji Jingu forest, where he reflected on the importance of nature in fostering societal development, linking it to the African philosophy of Ubuntu.
The visit comes as South Africa seeks to bolster international partnerships in light of the geopolitical challenges confronting the nation and the global community.
Mashatile said he had made the visit with the aim of fortifying economic collaboration, particularly in inclusive economic development and to ensure a trade balance between the nations.
“We want our two nations to collaborate with a particular emphasis on promoting inclusive economic development and ensuring a balance and an increase in trade between the two nations.
“This has also been one of the priorities of South Africa’s 7th Administration, popularly known as the Government of National Unity (GNU). The formation of the Government of National Unity is a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy,” he said.
Mashatile also highlighted South Africa’s leadership of the G20 under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’.
“We want to make a meaningful contribution to the expressions of the continent through Vision 2063 towards the Africa we want. Such an Africa is one that is more integrated into the global community and acts as a key player in the economy and the socio-political landscape more broadly.
“We believe that in an interconnected world, the challenges faced by one country have an impact at a global level.”
He emphasised the importance of global cooperation in confronting climate change, rising nationalism, and economic instability.
“Our challenges can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration, and partnership; no challenge and no triumph exist in isolation. Cooperation is our greatest strength and our most powerful weapon,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile arrived in Japan on Sunday and will conclude his visit on Wednesday, 19 March. – SAnews.gov.za
