sanews - 11 hours ago

Deputy President begins Türkiye working visit Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in Türkiye, where he will co-chair the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two nations on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. “The purpose of the BNC is to serve as a structured platform for enhancing and coordinating political, economic and social cooperation between South Africa and Türkiye,” the Presidency said in a statement. The Deputy President arrived in Ankara on Tuesday night for his working visit to that country. According to the Presidency, the BNC will convene in line with an agreement established in 2012 that allows for co-chairing at the Deputy President and Vice President levels between the two countries. This means the Deputy President will co-chair the inaugural BNC with his counterpart, the Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz. Through regular high-level dialogue and joint decision-making, the Deputy President’s Office said the BNC will provide both countries with an opportunity to conclude long-pending draft agreements, review existing instruments and explore new areas of cooperation in the political, economic, social, justice and security sectors. READ | Mashatile to co-chair inaugural SA–Türkiye Bi-National Commission The two nations are expected to sign a number of bilateral cooperation agreements. Deputy President Mashatile is scheduled to participate in the BNC and will also pay tribute to the founder and first President of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, at the Anitkabir Mausoleum. He is also scheduled to have a private meeting with Vice President Yılmaz and make a courtesy call on President Recep Erdogan. Following the BNC, the Deputy President will travel to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements, including addressing the 5th biennial Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) taking place tomorrow and Friday. “South Africa’s participation at the TABEF and bilateral meetings with key role players are expected to elevate trade relations with Türkiye and cement South Africa’s position as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and a key partner in Africa and the Global South.” While in Istanbul, the Deputy President will also participate in the South Africa-Türkiye Business Council and engage with Turkish investors with an interest in the South African market. Deputy President Mashatile is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald L Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Mot Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau; and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande. He is also joined by Minister of Tourism Patricia de L Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace M Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Zoleka Capa. – SAnews.gov.za Gabisile Wed, 10/15/2025 - 10:32 215 views

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