During his meeting with Minister Ronald Lamola, Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed South Africa’s interest in developing deeper relations with the European Union and the country’s growing role in mediating conflicts, not only on the African continent. The ministers also discussed G20-related issues in the context of the United States’ presidency and the prospects for the group’s evolution in the coming years.

I assured Minister Lamola that our government wants G20 membership, but not at the expense of South Africa. It is clear for both sides. Our support for multilateral cooperation and international dialogue is steadfast and solid, we share this approach with South African partners. The process to obtain full membership takes time and we hope that South Africa – a G20 member – will be our good partner on that path

- added Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski.

The foreign ministers of Poland and South Africa expressed hope for the further development of bilateral political and economic relations. One element of these efforts will be the convening of a Bilateral Economic Commission meeting in the fourth quarter of 2026. The ministers emphasised and appreciated the role both countries play on their respective continents and in global international affairs.

Our talks focused on economic cooperation. The value of bilateral trade exceeded USD 1.5 billion in 2025, and we look forward to further strengthening these mutually beneficial ties

- emphasises Minister Sikorski.

On his visit, the minister was accompanied by Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, as well as representatives of the management boards of Polish companies: TAURON, WB Group, Torhamer, and Węglokoks.

We appreciate the growing interest of South African companies in the Polish market. We see significant potential for strengthening bilateral trade and investment. Sectors such as mining and processing, critical raw materials, energy transition, and logistics offer promising opportunities

- said Poland’s top diplomat.

In Pretoria, Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski took part in a meeting with young diplomats, during which he delivered a lecture.

Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski also met with members of the Polish community in South Africa and laid flowers at the Katyn Memorial in Johannesburg.  

 

Photo: Marcin Maniewski/MFA