South Africa congratulates Portugal on National Day and reaffirms strategic partnership
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Honourable Seiso Joel Mohai, today joined the people of Portugal in commemorating the Day of Portugal at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Portugal in Pretoria.
On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government and the people of South Africa, Deputy Minister Mohai conveyed warm congratulations to His Excellency President António José Seguro, the Government and people of Portugal, as well as the global Portuguese diaspora on this important national day.
Deputy Minister Mohai noted that South Africa joins the international community in celebrating Portugal’s rich history, cultural heritage and enduring contributions to the world. He further acknowledged the longstanding ties between the two countries, underpinned by one of the largest Portuguese communities outside of Brazil and France residing in South Africa.
“The Portuguese community in South Africa has made a profound contribution to our country’s development and continues to serve as a vital bridge between our nations,” said Deputy Minister Mohai. “Through their enterprise, culture and civic engagement, they deepen people-to-people connections and help to advance the shared aspirations of South Africans and Portuguese alike.”
The Deputy Minister commended His Excellency Mr Carlos Costa Neves on the successful completion of his first year as Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to South Africa. Under his leadership, the Embassy of Portugal has continued to strengthen the solid foundation of friendship and cooperation that characterises relations between South Africa and Portugal, while serving the Portuguese community in South Africa with distinction.
Deputy Minister Mohai also congratulated President António José Seguro on his recent election as President of the Portuguese Republic. He expressed South Africa’s confidence that the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries will continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
“In President Seguro’s warm message to President Ramaphosa on the occasion of South Africa’s Freedom Day, Portugal reaffirmed its commitment to deepening our historic ties of friendship and cooperation,” the Deputy Minister said. “We deeply appreciate Portugal’s recognition of the important role played by the Portuguese community in South Africa, and we look forward to building on this spirit of solidarity and partnership.”
Bilateral relations between South Africa and Portugal are managed through the South Africa–Portugal Bilateral Consultations mechanism. Following the successful 8th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultations held on 27 March 2025, co‑chaired by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, and the former Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Professor Nuno Sampaio, both sides look forward to the next session of the mechanism to be hosted in Portugal.
At the last meeting, the two countries agreed to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of language, culture and education, which will provide a formal framework to further enhance already significant and mutually beneficial people‑to‑people relations.
On the economic front, South Africa and Portugal continue to work towards greater growth, diversification and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. Portuguese companies are investing
across a range of sectors in South Africa, contributing to economic development and job creation as part of South Africa’s broader efforts towards economic reconstruction and recovery.
Both countries see considerable potential to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, environmental cooperation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, agribusiness, and the automotive and aerospace technology industries, including new opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises. South Africa also recognises the growing opportunities for collaboration with Portugal in renewable energy and green transition initiatives, which are essential for sustainable development and long‑term economic resilience.
At the multilateral level, South Africa and Portugal share common values and perspectives on key global issues, including a commitment to human rights, dialogue and a rules‑based system of global governance. Both countries remain firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, respect for international law and the strengthening of multilateral institutions.
South Africa congratulates Portugal on its recent election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term and expresses confidence that Portugal will continue to make a valuable contribution to the promotion of international peace, security and multilateral cooperation. South Africa looks forward to working closely with Portugal within the framework of the Security Council to advance a more just, peaceful and inclusive international order.
Portugal continues to serve as an important bridge builder between Europe and Africa, promoting dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding between the two continents. South Africa values Portugal’s constructive engagement with Africa and its support for strengthened cooperation with continental and regional organisations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
“As partners and friends, South Africa and Portugal share a common vision of a just, peaceful and more equitable world order in which all nations, regardless of size or economic strength, are afforded the opportunity to develop and prosper,” said Deputy Minister Mohai. “On the Day of Portugal, we reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to strengthening this strategic partnership and to advancing our shared interests as democratic states within a rules‑based multilateral system.”
On the occasion of the Day of Portugal, South Africa reiterates its commitment to further deepening this important partnership and to working with Portugal to build a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
For enquiries relating to the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, please contact: Mr Thomas Nkosi Chief Director: Strategy & Communications | tomnkosi@dpme.gov.za| 079 907 9016
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