The meeting was held following the directives of the political leadership in both countries and in line with the 10th Joint Committee session recommendations held in May 2024, aimed at aligning perspectives and coordinating positions on current regional and international challenges.

According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, during the political consultations, the two ministers praised the depth of the historical relations between Egypt and South Africa. They expressed their aspirations for enhanced cooperation across various fields.

They emphasized the need to elevate economic and trade relations between the two nations to reflect their status and potential within Africa.

They also stressed the importance of activating a mechanism to follow up on the implementation of outcomes from the 10th Joint Committee session and ensuring ongoing coordination between the countries to achieve mutual interests.

The consultations also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation in tackling the current challenges in the Middle East and Africa.

Both ministers exchanged views on matters related to the African Union and discussed ways to strengthen integration across the continent.

The talks covered developments in Gaza, Sudan, Libya, the Horn of Africa, Southern Africa, the Great Lakes region, and water security.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, the ministers discussed Egypt's mediation efforts for an immediate ceasefire and the legal proceedings underway at the International Court of Justice concerning Israel's blatant violations in Gaza.

Following their talks, the two ministers held a press conference at which they stated that the current relations between Egypt and South Africa are being elevated to strategic relations.

Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, emphasized the importance of working jointly with Egypt on several common issues, foremost among them is the United Nations Security Council’s reform to make it more democratic.

He also stated that South Africa will work to advance the interests of the Global South during its upcoming presidency of the G20, which it will assume in December.

The South African minister noted a shared vision between Egypt and South Africa to support a multilateral system, including the United Nations and the Security Council, facilitating the participation of developing countries in global decision-making.

Earlier Thursday, Lamola met with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, where he conveyed an oral message from President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Egyptian president. The message expressed President Ramaphosa's appreciation and commitment to further developing the bilateral relations between the two countries.