Pretoria, 12 November: India and South Africa held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Pretoria, reviewing their Strategic Partnership, exploring avenues to expand bilateral cooperation and discussing regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
According to the MEA, during the consultations held on 11 November, both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of the Strategic Partnership, including high-level exchanges, institutional mechanisms and cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, development partnership, science & technology, education, counter-terrorism, cheetah conservation, culture and people-to-people ties.
They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora.
The Indian delegation was led by Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), MEA, and the South African delegation was led by Ambassador David Malcomson, Acting Deputy Director General, Directorate of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
“India and South Africa share historically close and friendly relations marked by regular high-level visits and other exchanges. The year 2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, providing an important milestone to further strengthen and diversify bilateral cooperation,” the MEA stated.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India – South Africa Strategic Partnership and agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in India at a mutually convenient date.
