PH Ambassador, Senior South African Foreign Affairs Officials Discuss Mutual Growth Opportunities
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja (left) with Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko; Right photo: with Ambassador Anil Sooklal. (Pretoria PE photo)
PRETORIA 27 October 2022 — In line with the Embassy’s desire to build linkages with South African decision-makers and policymakers, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja held networking meetings with Ambassadors-at-Large (AAL) Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko (for Peace and Security) and Anil Sooklal (for Asia and BRICS) on 26 October 2022.
During the Ambassador’s meeting with Ambassador Mxakato-Diseko, it was noted that the Philippines and South Africa have good working relationships at multilateral platforms such as the G77 + China. Both officials recognized that South-South technical cooperation could serve as a catalyst for enhanced bilateral partnership as both countries could share best practices and capacitate each other on issues of common concern. Both sides also agreed that it would augur well for the bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Africa if the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the African Union (AU) pursue structured relationships.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Baja’s discussions with Ambassador Sooklal centered on South Africa’s recognition of ASEAN’s centrality, as well as the country’s strong desire to elevate its partnership with countries in the region. In the lead-up to the 30th founding anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Africa, both officials also discussed and exchanged views on how to further strengthen bilateral relations.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor appointed Ambassadors Mxakato-Diseko and Sooklal to provide technical advice to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa on matters where they have expertise and institutional memory. END
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