On March 18, 2025, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi met Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa. They discussed enhancing bilateral relations, energy transition, and Japanese business operations in South Africa during Mashatile’s visit amid significant diplomatic occasions. Both leaders expressed commitment to deepening cooperation in various sectors, highlighting renewable energy and investment opportunities.
On March 18, 2025, at 10:50 a.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, met with the Honourable Mr. Paul Mashatile, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, during his visit to Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes and was significant in the context of South Africa’s G20 presidency, Japan’s hosting of TICAD 9, and the celebration of the 115th anniversary of Japan-South Africa relations.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi warmly welcomed Deputy President Mashatile and his delegation, noting the importance of ongoing high-level visits between the two nations which reflect the deepening cooperation in various sectors. Deputy President Mashatile reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his appreciation for the visit and a strong commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across multiple domains.
Furthermore, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi emphasized the importance of continued collaboration towards achieving a realistic energy transition while ensuring energy security. He urged Deputy President Mashatile to support the development of a favorable business environment for Japanese companies operating in South Africa. In his response, Deputy President Mashatile thanked Japan for its support, particularly in the renewable energy sector, and expressed enthusiasm for further collaboration on South Africa’s decarbonization efforts and opportunities for increased investment from Japan.
The meeting between Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi and Deputy President Mashatile marked a significant step in fostering Japan-South Africa relations. Both leaders underscored the importance of mutual cooperation in addressing energy transition and business development, while reaffirming their commitment to enhance bilateral ties. With a focus on renewable energy and investment, the discussions highlighted the potential for a stronger partnership in the coming years.
Original Source: www.mofa.go.jp
