President Ramaphosa arrives in the French Republic to address the European Parliament

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 14 November 2018, arrived in Strasbourg, French Republic for the working visit to the European Union   (EU).

At the invitation of President of the European Parliament, Mr Antonio Tajani, the President will commence this day by addressing the European Parliament.

President Ramaphosa will also hold brief meetings with President of EU, Mr Tajani and President of the Socialist Democrats, Mr Udo Bullman at the European Parliament.

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU and exercises supervisory powers over the work of EU Institutions, including the executive arm of the EU; the EU Commission. Together with the Council of the EU, the European Parliament also exercises legislative and budgetary functions.

South Africa is the only African country, and one of ten countries globally, that has a strategic partnership with the European Union (EU). 

The SA-EU Strategic Partnership covers over twenty sectoral policy dialogues in diverse issues including development cooperation, science and technology, space, communications, migration, health, trade, education and skills development, peace and security and human rights.

The President will later this afternoon proceed to Brussels in Belgium to continue with the European Union Working visit.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President, on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria