President Ramaphosa’s Paris Visit Highlights

Why the Trip Matters

President Cyril Ramaphosa spent a busy weekend in Paris to strengthen the long‑standing partnership between South Africa and France. The visit aimed to boost cooperation at national, regional, and global levels, covering topics like trade, defence, education, and culture.

Who Accompanied the President

He was joined by:

• First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe
• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola
• Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga
• Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean MacPherson
• Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie
• Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela
• Senior government officials

Key Diplomatic Engagements

Meeting with President Emmanuel Macron

The two leaders held talks, shared a dinner, and witnessed the signing of a new agreement that upgrades the South Africa–France Forum for Political Dialogue into a Joint Ministerial Commission. This structure will give the two countries a regular platform to discuss politics, trade, and security.

Engagement with French Business Leaders

On Saturday, President Ramaphosa met with French CEOs and entrepreneurs. He highlighted the success of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference, where French firms pledged about €1.1 billion (roughly R20.7 billion) for projects in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.

Focus on Education

UNESCO High‑Level Steering Committee

The president joined the Director‑General of UNESCO for a meeting of the High‑Level Steering Committee on Education. He also spoke at the Transforming Education Summit, stressing that education is a cornerstone of the South Africa‑France partnership.

What He Said

“France is a key strategic partner for South Africa, and we enjoy longstanding bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, energy, defence, education, people‑to‑people exchange and other fields.”

Honoring History: The Delville Wood Commemoration

A Solemn Tribute

On Sunday, President Ramaphosa laid a wreath at the South African National Memorial in Longueval, France, during the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood. The ceremony honored the South African soldiers who fought and died in World War I.

His Remarks

“We gather in solemn remembrance of the sons of South Africa who served and died during the First World War… They were sons, husbands, fathers and brothers… Their sacrifice deserves the eternal gratitude of our country.”

Looking Ahead

The Joint Ministerial Commission signed during the visit will help both nations track progress on shared goals, from boosting French investment in South Africa’s infrastructure push to collaborating on education and youth programs. President Ramaphosa thanked President Macron for supporting South Africa’s G20 presidency and expressed optimism about deepening ties in the years to come.

Conclusion

President Ramaphosa’s Paris trip combined high‑level diplomacy, business outreach, educational collaboration, and historic remembrance. By upgrading the bilateral dialogue framework and celebrating shared heritage, the visit reinforced a strong, multidimensional friendship between South Africa and France that promises benefits for both nations’ people and economies.