President Cyril Ramaphosa has begun a working visit to Mozambique to attend the 4th South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission. The two-day trip, from December 2 to 3, 2025, focuses on enhancing strategic relations between the neighboring countries. Ramaphosa will also launch a key infrastructure project during the visit.
The visit underscores the deep historical bonds between South Africa and Mozambique, forged through shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid. Pretoria and Maputo maintain strong strategic and fraternal ties, which this engagement seeks to build upon.
Scheduled at the invitation of Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo, Ramaphosa's itinerary includes participation in the bi-national commission meetings. These discussions aim to bolster trade and address regional challenges. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that Mozambique ranks as South Africa's largest trading partner in Africa and fourth worldwide.
"Mozambique is South Africa’s biggest trading partner on the African continent and the fourth globally," Lamola stated. "So, you will understand this is one of the most strategic countries for us, also in relation to regional integration, issues of cross border crime and also issues of regional security. So, it is a strategic platform which we are looking forward to the good bilateral relations."
On Wednesday, Ramaphosa will join the official launch of the Sasol Hydrocarbons Processing Integrated Infrastructure in Inhassoro, a move to support economic cooperation. The commission provides a platform for ongoing collaboration on stability and integration in the region.