South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a landmark agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the French Republic on the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) during a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
The agreement was formally signed by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation – Ronald Lamola and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs – Jean-Noël Barrot. The new framework elevated the existing Forum for Political Dialogue (FPD) into a Joint Ministerial Commission that marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Establishment of the JMC is expected to provide an improved structured platform for high-level political engagement and strategic collaboration across a wide range of sectors, that includes:
- Trade
- Investment
- International Relations
- Security
- Education
- Science
- Technology, and
- Cultural Exchanges
[Watch] His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron witness the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Republic of South Africa and French Government on the Joint Ministerial Commission on International Relations at Élysée… pic.twitter.com/pvavlsm0WO
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 10, 2026
Such enhanced mechanism reflects the shared commitment of South Africa and France to deepen diplomatic ties and address regional and global challenges through regular ministerial consultations.
Hence signing of the agreement took place during the official visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa to France, where he holds bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron and participated in engagements with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The SA President also met with French Business Leaders to promote investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
This recent visit marked strategic importance for South Africa’s International Relations. It followed decision by Ghana to defer planned high-level talks with South Africa amid recent ongoing concerns, related to anti-migrant unrest that could overshadow diplomatic engagements.
Against this backdrop, the Paris visit offered Pretoria an opportunity to reinforce its international partnerships and reaffirm its commitment to constructive global engagement with SA.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is visiting France🇫🇷 for talks with Emmanuel Macron, UNESCO engagements and meetings with French business leaders.
The trip comes days after Ghana🇬🇭 deferred high-level talks with South Africa🇿🇦 because anti-migrant unrest risked overshadowing the… pic.twitter.com/qrjF2qHPzN
— Business Insider Africa (@BusInsiderSSA) July 10, 2026
France has remained one of South Africa’s most significant European economic partners. Nearly 370 French companies are currently operating in South Africa, collectively employing over 65,000 people across sectors such as manufacturing, finance, energy, retail and infrastructure.
These investments continue to play an important role and supports economic growth, job creation and industrial development. Establishment of the Joint Ministerial Commission is expected to further strengthen political dialogue, while creating new avenues for economic cooperation, investment and long-term strategic partnership between South Africa and France.