Foreign relations of South Africa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The foreign relations of South Africa have spanned from the country's time as a dominion of the British Empire to its isolationist policies under apartheid to its position as a responsible international actor taking a key role in Africa, particularly southern Africa. South Africa is a member of the United Nations, the African Union and the Commonwealth of Nations. Considered a possible permanent addition to the United Nations Security Council, South Africa was elected in 2006, 2010 and 2018 by the UN General Assembly to serve on the Security Council.[1][2] South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chair of the African Union from 2020 to 2021, the second time South Africa has chaired the organisation since its formation in 2003.[3]

History

Pre-apartheid

South Africa, as a key member of the British Empire and Commonwealth as a Dominion, fought alongside the United Kingdom and the Allies in both World War I and World War II, and it participated in the postwar UN force in the Korean War. South Africa was a founding member of the League of Nations and in 1927 established a Department of External Affairs with diplomatic missions in the main Western European countries and in the United States.

Apartheid (1948–1994)

Main article: Foreign relations of apartheid South Africa

South Africa introduced apartheid in 1948, as a systematic extension of pre-existing racial discrimination in the country. As a result, the country became increasingly isolated internationally until apartheid was abolished in 1991 and racial equality introduced between 1990 and 1993. This transition produced a change in South Africa's foreign policy. The country stopped trying to regain regional hegemony and started to behave as a central hub for co-operation as a regional unipole.

Post-apartheid (since 1994)

Having emerged from the international isolation of the apartheid era, South Africa has become a leading international actor. Its principal foreign policy objective is to develop good relations with all countries, especially its neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (*-see note below) and the other members of the African Union. South Africa has played a key role in seeking an end to various conflicts and political crises on the African continent, including in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Comoros, and Zimbabwe. In August 1998, South Africa assumed the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, which it relinquished in July 2002.

Eswatini has asked South Africa to open negotiations on reincorporating some nearby South African territories that are populated by ethnic Swazis or that were long ago part of the Swazi kingdom.

Commonwealth of Nations

South Africa was a Dominion of the British Empire and the Commonwealth from 1910 until 1961.

South Africa was a republic outside the Commonwealth from 1961 to 1994, then it became a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations on 1 June 1994.

United Nations Security Council

South Africa was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from October 2006 until 2008.

South African votes in the UNSC have not been without controversy. In particular, a 'no' vote on a resolution criticising the Burmese government attracted widespread criticism.[4]

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which South Africa maintains diplomatic relations with:

More information #, Country ...
# Country Date[5][6][7]
1 Italy 31 October 1929[8]
2 United States 5 November 1929[9]
3 Netherlands 25 November 1929[10][11]
4 United Kingdom 10 March 1931[12]
5 Belgium 28 August 1933[13]
6 France 5 November 1934[14]
7 Sweden 30 November 1934[15][16]
8 Portugal 9 September 1935[17]
9 Canada 11 September 1939[18]
10 Greece 2 September 1941[19]
11 Denmark 4 May 1946[20]
12 Norway 16 June 1946[21]
13 Australia August 1946[22]
14 Argentina 10 September 1947[23]
15 Brazil 31 January 1948[24]
16 Chile May 1948[25]
17 Finland 15 May 1949[26]
18 Luxembourg 1949[27]
19 Spain 18 May 1951[28]
20 Germany 14 August 1951[29]
21  Switzerland 11 March 1952[30]
22 Austria 5 October 1955[31]
23 Bolivia 1967[32]
24 Malawi 10 September 1967[33]
25 Uruguay 22 April 1968[34]
26 Paraguay 3 April 1974[35]
27 Israel 29 December 1975[36]
28 Hungary 24 July 1991[37]
29 Estonia 4 November 1991[38]
30 Latvia 4 November 1991[39]
31 Lithuania 20 November 1991[40]
32 Romania 21 November 1991[41]
33 Poland 18 December 1991[42]
34 Japan 13 January 1992
35 Kyrgyzstan 26 January 1992[43]
36 Bulgaria 2 February 1992
37 Russia 28 February 1992
38 Kazakhstan 5 March 1992
39 Ukraine 16 March 1992[44]
40 Serbia 2 April 1992
41 Azerbaijan 29 April 1992[45]
42 Tajikistan 5 May 1992
43 Turkmenistan 11 May 1992[46]
44 Ivory Coast 21 May 1992
45 Lesotho 21 May 1992
46 Moldova 15 June 1992[47]
47 Armenia 23 June 1992[48]
48 Uzbekistan 12 August 1992[49]
49 Democratic Republic of the Congo 30 September 1992
50 Gabon 15 October 1992
51 Turkey 12 October 1992[50]
52 Slovenia 9 November 1992[51]
53 Croatia 9 November 1992[52]
54 South Korea 1 December 1992
55 Czech Republic 1 January 1993
56 Slovakia 1 January 1993[53]
57 Malta 10 February 1993[54]
58 Belarus 4 March 1993[55]
59 Republic of the Congo 22 March 1993[56]
60 Georgia 23 April 1993[57]
61 San Marino 30 April 1993[58]
62 Equatorial Guinea 5 May 1993
63 Comoros 14 May 1993
64 Peru 28 July 1993[59]
65 Central African Republic 23 August 1993
66 Bahrain 13 September 1993[60]
67 Jordan 28 September 1993[61]
68 Eswatini 1 October 1993
69 Ireland 5 October 1993
70 Mozambique 11 October 1993[62]
71 Singapore 11 October 1993[63]
72 Mexico 27 October 1993
73 Philippines 1 November 1993
74 Seychelles 4 November 1993
75 Malaysia 8 November 1993
76 India 22 November 1993
77 Venezuela 3 December 1993
78 Mauritius 7 December 1993
79 Thailand 9 December 1993[64]
80 Cyprus 10 December 1993
81 Vietnam 22 December 1993[65]
82 Albania December 1993[66]
83 Barbados 4 January 1994
84 Liechtenstein 12 January 1994[67]
85 New Zealand 19 January 1994[68]
86 Madagascar 27 January 1994[69]
— Holy See 5 March 1994[70]
87 Cape Verde 4 April 1994
88 Colombia 12 April 1994
89 Kenya 12 April 1994[71][72]
90 Pakistan 23 April 1994[69]
91 Cameroon 29 April 1994
92 Egypt 29 April 1994[69]
93 Zimbabwe 29 April 1994[69]
94 Tunisia 2 May 1994[73]
95 Ghana 6 May 1994[74]
96 Mali 6 May 1994[75]
97 Senegal 6 May 1994
98 Algeria 10 May 1994[76]
99 Iran 10 May 1994[77]
100 Libya 10 May 1994[78]
101 Morocco 10 May 1994[77]
102 Namibia 10 May 1994
103 Niger 10 May 1994[79]
104 Nigeria 10 May 1994[80]
105 Qatar 10 May 1994
106 São Tomé and Príncipe 10 May 1994
107 Sudan 10 May 1994[69]
108 Zambia 10 May 1994
109 Burkina Faso 11 May 1994[81]
110 Cuba 11 May 1994
111 United Arab Emirates 17 May 1994[69]
112 Benin 19 May 1994
113 Kuwait 20 May 1994[82]
114 Mongolia 25 May 1994
115 Angola 27 May 1994
116 Iceland 31 May 1994[83]
117 Syria 1 June 1994
118 Botswana 22 June 1994[77]
119 Uganda 24 June 1994
120 Tanzania 18 July 1994[77]
121 Maldives 27 July 1994
122 Bahamas 28 July 1994
123   Nepal 28 July 1994
124 Indonesia 12 August 1994
125 Laos 7 September 1994[84]
126 Afghanistan 9 September 1994[85]
127 Jamaica 9 September 1994
128 Bangladesh 10 September 1994
129 Nicaragua 15 September 1994
130 Sri Lanka 16 September 1994[86]
131 Ecuador 22 September 1994
132 Costa Rica 4 October 1994
133 Papua New Guinea 7 October 1994
134 Guinea-Bissau 11 October 1994
135 Chad 21 October 1994
136 Saudi Arabia 29 October 1994[69]
137 Guyana 4 November 1994
138 Fiji 7 November 1994
139 Mauritania 25 December 1994[87]
140 Ethiopia 6 January 1995[88]
141 Panama 10 January 1995
142 Trinidad and Tobago 10 January 1995
143 Guatemala 12 January 1995
144 Cambodia 26 January 1995
145 Suriname 3 February 1995
— State of Palestine 15 February 1995
146 Guinea 16 February 1995
147 Eritrea 17 March 1995[69]
148 Andorra 22 March 1995[89]
149 Samoa 22 March 1995
150 Bosnia and Herzegovina 23 March 1995
151 Myanmar 20 April 1995
152 Rwanda 6 May 1995[90]
153 Burundi 23 June 1995
154 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1 September 1995
155 Oman 4 October 1995[91]
156 Lebanon 18 November 1995[92]
157 Yemen 3 January 1996
158 Marshall Islands 17 January 1996
159 Djibouti 7 February 1996
— Cook Islands 9 February 1996[93]
160 Honduras 4 March 1996[94]
161 Brunei 4 October 1996
162 Solomon Islands 11 December 1996
163 Federated States of Micronesia 12 December 1996
164 Saint Lucia 12 December 1996
165 Togo 5 January 1997
166 Liberia 10 January 1997
167 Belize 14 May 1997
168 El Salvador 11 November 1997
169 Haiti 9 December 1997
170 China 1 January 1998[95]
171 Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 February 1998
172 Grenada 5 March 1998
173 Dominica 29 April 1998
174 Gambia 7 August 1998
175 North Korea 10 August 1998
176 Sierra Leone 21 August 1998[69]
177 Iraq 25 August 1998[69]
178 Vanuatu 6 July 1999
179 Kiribati 30 August 1999
180 Tonga 1 September 1999
181 Dominican Republic 9 May 2002[96]
182 Timor-Leste 3 February 2003[69]
183 Antigua and Barbuda 17 February 2004
184 Palau 24 August 2004
— Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic 15 September 2004[69]
185 Montenegro 11 October 2006[97]
186 Monaco 19 January 2011[98]
187 South Sudan 21 September 2011[99]
188 Somalia 13 March 2012[100]
189 North Macedonia 18 September 2023[101]
Close

Bilateral relations

Africa

More information State, Formal relations began ...
State Formal relations began Notes
Algeria10 May 1994See Algeria–South Africa relations
  • Algeria has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Algiers.
Angola27 May 1994See Angola–South Africa relations

South Africa relations are quite strong, as the ruling parties in both nations – the African National Congress in South Africa and the MPLA in Angola – fought together during the Angolan Civil War and South African Border War. They fought against UNITA rebels, based in Angola, and the apartheid-era government in South Africa who supported them. Nelson Mandela mediated between the MPLA and UNITA factions during the last years of Angola's civil war.

Botswana22 June 1994See Botswana–South Africa relations
  • Botswana has a high commission in Pretoria and consulates-general in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Gaborone.
EgyptSee Egypt–South Africa relations
  • Egypt has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Cairo.
Eswatini1 October 1993See Eswatini–South Africa relations
  • Eswatini has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Mbabane.
Ghana6 May 1994See Ghana–South Africa relations
  • Ghana has a high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Accra.
Kenya12 April 1994See Kenya–South Africa relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Nairobi.
Lesotho21 May 1992See Lesotho–South Africa relations
  • Lesotho has a high commission in Pretoria and consulates-general in Cape Town and Durban and consulates in Klerksdorp and Welkom.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Maseru.
Libya10 May 1994See Libya–South Africa relations
  • Libya has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is accredited to Libya from its embassy in Tunis, Tunisia.
Madagascar27 January 1994See Madagascar–South Africa relations
  • Madagascar has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Antananarivo.
Malawi10 September 1967See Malawi–South Africa relations

Since South Africa and Malawi had their first democratic elections in 1994, Malawi and South Africa have enhanced relations. In 2008, the two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to enhance the relationship between the two countries through enhanced security cooperation.[102]

  • Malawi has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Lilongwe.
Mozambique26 September 1993See Mozambique–South Africa relations
  • Mozambique has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg and consulates in Cape Town, Durban and Nelspruit.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Maputo.
Namibia10 May 1994See Namibia–South Africa relations

Upon independence in 1990, Namibia's economy was still tied to South Africa's.[103] To this day, the economy of Namibia is still closely contacted to South Africa through both institutional relationships (Southern African Customs Union, for example) and privately owned mining concessions.[104] The South African rand is still legal currency within Namibia (while the Namibian dollar is not so in South Africa), and the currencies are traded on par locally.

  • Namibia has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Windhoek.
Nigeria10 May 1994See Nigeria–South Africa relations
  • Nigeria has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos.
Zambia10 May 1994See South Africa–Zambia relations
  • South Africa has a high commission in Lusaka.
  • Zambia has a high commission in Pretoria
Zimbabwe29 April 1994See South Africa–Zimbabwe relations

The Government of Zimbabwe took a particular interest in the search for independence for Namibia (South-West Africa) from South Africa. In addition, as chairman of the front-line states in southern Africa, Zimbabwe spoke out vigorously against the policies of apartheid in South Africa and frequently called for the imposition of economic sanctions against the government. However, whilst supporting democratic change in South Africa, Mugabe did not support the idea of Zimbabwe being used as a base for anti-South African guerrillas.[105]

In recent years, following the political crisis in the country, the ex-president Thabo Mbeki mediated with the MDC and Zanu PF to form a unity government, and often remained silent on the issues in Zimbabwe, which drew criticism.[106] Following a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the ruling ANC in South Africa became impatient and has urged the parties to form a unity government.[107]

  • South Africa has an embassy in Harare.
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
Close

Americas

More information State, Formal relations began ...
State Formal relations began Notes
Antigua and Barbuda26 June 2004
Argentina10 September 1947 (broke off 22 May 1986, Restored 8 August 1991)See Argentina–South Africa relations
  • Diplomatic relations were cut off in 1982 with the Falklands War. Full diplomatic relations between both countries were re-established in August 1991.
  • Argentina has an embassy in Pretoria[109]
  • South Africa has an embassy in Buenos Aires.[110]
  • Both countries are members of the Cairns Group.
  • List of Treaties ruling relations Argentina and South Africa (Argentine Foreign Ministry, in Spanish).[111]
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Argentina.[112]
Belize14 May 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1997.[113]
  • Belize does not have any representation in South Africa.[114]
  • South Africa is represented in Belize by its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.[115]
Bolivia1967See Bolivia–South Africa relations
  • Bolivia maintains an honorary consulate in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Lima, Peru.
Brazil28 October 1947See Brazil–South Africa relations

Brazil has provided military assistance to South Africa in the form of warfare training and logistics. Bilateral relations between the countries have recently increased, as a result of Brazil's new South-South foreign policy aimed to strengthen integration between the major powers of the developing world.

Canada11 September 1939See Canada–South Africa relations

Canada established its diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1939, along with other nations, due to the outbreak of World War II. Canada actively encouraged the end of Apartheid in South Africa and the countries have had normal relations since then. The Constitution of South Africa was, in part, inspired by the Constitution of Canada, particularly the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Former South African President Nelson Mandela made an official state visit to Canada in September 1998. Mandela was made an honorary Canadian citizen, during his second visit to Canada. A 2003 visit by President Thabo Mbeki in November 2003, the Joint Declaration of Intent was signed to strengthen relations between the two countries. Canada has assisted South Africa in the areas of development (over $200 million) and the fight against AIDS in South Africa and to strengthen services provided by the Government of South Africa. Trade between the two countries totalled $1.8 billion in 2008.[116]

  • Canada has an high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an high commission in Ottawa and a consulate-general in Toronto.

Canada and South Africa are both member states of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Cuba11 May 1994See Cuba–South Africa relations
  • Cuba has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Havana.
Dominica29 April 1998

Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Diplomatic relations were established on 29 April 1998.[117]

Guyana4 November 1994
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 November 1994.[118]
  • South Africa is represented in Guyana through its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.[118]
Mexico27 October 1993See Mexico–South Africa relations

There were no official relations between Mexico and South Africa before 1993. After the birth of democracy in South Africa, the countries established relations.

Panama10 January 1995
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1995.[121][122]
  • Panama opened an embassy in Pretoria in August 2000.[121]
  • South Africa is represented in Panama through its embassy in Lima, Peru.[121]
Trinidad and Tobago10 January 1995See South Africa-Trinidad and Tobago relations

Relations between Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa started after the apartheid ended.

  • South Africa is accredited to Trinidad and Tobago from its high commission in Kingston, Jamaica.
  • Trinidad and Tobago has a High Commission in Pretoria
United States5 November 1929See South Africa–United States relations

The United States has maintained an official presence in South Africa since 1799, when a US consulate was opened in Cape Town. The US Embassy is located in Pretoria, and consulates general are in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. South Africans and the US also have many non-governmental ties: US missionaries, for example, have a long history of activity in South Africa. South Africans (particularly the ANC leadership) also acknowledge support from and ties to the anti-apartheid movement in the US.[123]

Uruguay22 April 1968See South Africa–Uruguay relations
  • South Africa is accredited to Uruguay from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Uruguay has an embassy in Pretoria.
Close

Asia

More information State, Formal relations began ...
State Formal relations began Notes
Armenia23 June 1992
  • Diplomatic relations between Armenia and South Africa were established on 23 June 1993.[124]
  • Armenia is represented in South Africa through its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.[125]
  • South Africa is represented in Armenia through its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine.[125]
Azerbaijan29 April 1992[126]See Azerbaijan–South Africa relations
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is represented in Azerbaijan through its embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
BangladeshSee Bangladesh–South Africa relations
  • Bangladesh has a high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is accredited to Bangladesh through its high commission in New Delhi, India.
China1 January 1998See China–South Africa relations
  • Date started: January 1998
  • China has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Beijing and a consulate-general in both Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Despite Pretoria's long relationship with the government in Taiwan and late recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1998 the two countries currently enjoy an increasingly close relationship. Increasingly numerous official visits to each other's countries by their respective officials and rapidly increasing trade between the two countries has drawn them ever increasingly together.

India22 November 1993 (before from 1 January 1941 to 1 July 1954, when diplomatic relations were broke off)See India–South Africa relations

There is a major resident Indian community in South Africa that made a significant contribution to the struggle for civil rights; Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi pioneered the non-violent civil disobedience in the struggle of Indian people for civil rights in the 1890s and 1900s.[127] Indians also contributed to the African National Congress's struggle against the apartheid regime. The Indian government was an outspoken critic of the apartheid-era South African government, refusing to maintain diplomatic relations.[128] India's support evoked goodwill in South Africa and other African countries.[128]

Indonesia12 August 1994See Indonesia–South Africa relations
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Jakarta.
Iran10 May 1994 (before from 13 November 1970 to 4 March 1979 were relations at Consulate General level)See Iran–South Africa relations

South Africa and Iran share historical bilateral relations and the latter supported the South African liberation movements. It severed official relations with South Africa in 1979 and imposed a trade boycott in protest against the country's apartheid policies. However, in January 1994, Iran lifted all trade and economic sanctions against South Africa and diplomatic relations were reestablished on 10 May 1994.[129]

  • Iran has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Tehran.
Israel29 November 1950 See Israel–South Africa relations

Former ANC leader Nelson Mandela first visited Israel in 1999. Mandela said: "To the many people who have questioned why I came, I say: Israel worked very closely with the apartheid regime. I say: I've made peace with many men who slaughtered our people like animals. Israel cooperated with the apartheid regime, but it did not participate in any atrocities".[130] Then Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert visited South Africa in 2004,[131] meeting with South African President Thabo Mbeki, the first visit by an Israeli leader since the end of apartheid.

Japan13 January 1992 (before from 25 January 1937 to 8 December 1941 were diplomatic relations, restored in 1952, but only Consulate General level)

See Japan–South Africa relations

  • Japan has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Tokyo.
North Korea10 August 1998See North Korea–South Africa relations
Pakistan23 April 1994See Pakistan–South Africa relations
Qatar10 May 1994See Qatar–South Africa relations
Saudi Arabia1994

See Saudi Arabia–South Africa relations

  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Riyadh.
South Korea1 December 1992[132]See Foreign relations of South Korea
Sri Lanka16 September 1994See Sri Lanka–South Africa relations
  • Date started: 12 September 1999 (newly formed)
  • Sri Lanka has a High Commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a High Commission in Colombo.
Taiwan26 April 1976 – 31 December 1997See South Africa–Taiwan relations
  • Period of recognition: 1949 – January 1998
  • Taiwan has a Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a Taiwan Liaison Office in Taipei.

Relations were established between the two countries in 1949 and grew considerably after 1971 until South Africa announced that it would switch recognition from the government in Taipei to the People's Republic of China in December 1996.

Turkey12 October 1992See South Africa–Turkey relations
United Arab EmiratesSee South Africa–United Arab Emirates relations
  • South Africa has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Pretoria.
Close

Europe

See also: South Africa–European Union relations
More information State, Formal relations began ...
State Formal relations began Notes
Belarus4 March 1993
  • Belarus has an embassy in Pretoria[135]
  • South Africa is accredited to Belarus from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.[135]
Belgium28 August 1933
  • Belgium has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Brussels.
Bulgaria2 February 1992See Bulgaria–South Africa relations

Interest Offices between South Africa and Bulgaria were opened initially in November 1990 and full diplomatic relations was established on 2 February 1992.

  • Bulgaria has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Sofia.
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Bulgaria.[136]
Croatia
  • Croatia has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is represented in Croatia by its embassy in Budapest, Hungary.
Cyprus10 December 1993
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1993.[137][138]
  • Cyprus has a High Commission in Pretoria.[139]
  • South Africa is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece.[137]
DenmarkSee Denmark-South Africa relations
  • Denmark has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Copenhagen.
European UnionSee South Africa–European Union relations
  • South Africa has strong cultural and historical links to the European Union (EU) (particularly through immigration from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Greece) and the EU is South Africa's biggest investor.[140]
  • Since the end of South Africa's apartheid, EU – South African relations have flourished and they began a "Strategic Partnership" in 2007. In 1999 the two sides signed a Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) which entered into force in 2004, with some provisions being applied from 2000. The TDCA covered a wide range of issues from political cooperation, development and the establishment of a free trade area (FTA).[140]
  • South Africa is the EU's largest trading partner in Southern Africa and has a FTA with the EU. South Africa's main exports to the EU are fuels and mining products (27%), machinery and transport equipment (18%) and other semi-manufactured goods (16%). However they are growing and becoming more diverse. European exports to South Africa are primarily machinery & transport equipment (50%), chemicals (15%) and other semi-machinery (10%).[141]
Finland15 May 1949See Finland–South Africa relations
  • A South African legation was established in 1967 and relations were then upgraded to ambassadorial level in March 1991. Finland has an embassy in Pretoria, a general consulate in Johannesburg and a consulate in Cape Town. South Africa is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. During World War II South Africa declared war on Finland.
France5 November 1934 ( broken diplomatic relations from 23 April 1942 to 13 December 1944)See France–South Africa relations
  • France has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Paris.
Germany14 August 1951 ( before from 1933 to 6 September 1939 were diplomatic relations)See Germany–South Africa relations
  • Germany has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Berlin.
Greece2 September 1941See Greece–South Africa relations
Ireland5 October 1993See Ireland–South Africa relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Dublin.
Italy31 October 1929, broken 10 June 1940, restored 18 March 1946See Italy–South Africa relations
  • Italy has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Rome.
Montenegro11 October 2006

South Africa recognized Montenegro on 6 July 2006.[142] Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 October 2006.[142]

Netherlands15 August 1929See Netherlands–South Africa relations
North Macedonia18 September 2023
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in October 1995.[146]
  • South Africa still uses the name Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in accordance with UN practice.[146]
  • South Africa is represented in North Macedonia by its embassy in Athens, Greece.[146]
Poland18 December 1991See Poland–South Africa relations
  • Poland has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Warsaw.
Portugal1934See Portugal–South Africa relations
  • Portugal has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Lisbon.
Russia1942See Russia–South Africa relations
  • Russia has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.[147]
  • South Africa has an embassy in Moscow.[148]
  • South African Department of Foreign Affaires about the relation with Russia.[149]
Serbia4 February 1992See Serbia–South Africa relations
  • Serbia has an embassy in Pretoria.[150]
  • South Africa is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Athens (Greece).
Spain18 May 1951See South Africa–Spain relations
  • South Africa has an embassy in Madrid.
  • Spain has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
SwedenSee South Africa–Sweden relations
  • South Africa has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Pretoria.
 Switzerland14 December 1951See South Africa – Switzerland relations
  • South Africa has an embassy in Bern and a general consulate in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Pretoria and a general consulate in Cape Town.
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Switzerland.[151]
  • Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with South Africa.[152]
Ukraine16 March 1992See South Africa–Ukraine relations
  • South Africa established its embassy in Kyiv in October 1992.
  • Ukraine established its embassy in Pretoria in 1995.[153]
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Ukraine.[154]
United Kingdom10 March 1931See South Africa–United Kingdom relations
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street, November 2022.

South Africa established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 10 March 1931.[12][better source needed]

The UK governed South Africa from 1806 until 1931, when South Africa gained full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, the G20, the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization, as well as the SACUM–UK Economic Partnership Agreement.[157] Bilaterally the two countries have a Development Partnership,[158] and a Double Taxation Convention.[159]

Close

Oceania

More information State, Formal relations began ...
State Formal relations began Notes
Australia8 May 1946See Australia–South Africa relations
  • Date started: 1947
  • Australia has a High Commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a High Commission in Canberra.
Nauruno diplomatic relations

South Africa is in the process of establishing diplomatic relations on a non-residential basis.[160]

New Zealand19 January 1994See New Zealand–South Africa relations
  • New Zealand has a high commission in Pretoria.[161]
  • South Africa has a high commission in Wellington.[162]
Close

See also

References

External links

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI