WATCH: Mashatile welcomed at the Élysee Palace in Paris
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasised the importance of intensified business-to-business efforts between South Africa and France.
Mashatile met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, following a successful SA-France Investment Conference held in the France this week.
Mashatile confirmed that the high-level talks focused on boosting bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and multilateral cooperation.
This comes after a recent trade decline.
Macron welcomed deeper ties between the two countries and confirmed his attendance at the G20 Summit to be held in Johannesburg in November
I just welcomed South African Vice President @PMashatile, along with several ministers and business leaders from South Africa.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 22, 2025
Through dynamic trade between South Africa and France, we are creating jobs in both our countries.… pic.twitter.com/wAtY9aPkgd
"During the meeting, I indicated that the presence of over 400 French companies employing over 65 000 South Africans is a testimony to the value proposition that South Africa offers, and that this visit has re-enforced the need for continued cooperation,” said Mashatile.
Mashatile embarked on the French visit alongside Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and Sonja de Bruyn, Ambassador of South Africa to France, Nathi Mthethwa, Ambassador of France to South Africa, David Martinon, Ministers Aaron Motsoaledi, Barbara Creecy, Stella Ndabeni, Patricia de Lille, and Gayton McKenzie, Deputy Ministers Buti Manamela, Zuko Godlimpi, and Samantha Graham-Maré, Minister of Commerce, Laurent Saint-Martin.
I paid a courtesy call on President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, at his residence, Palais de I’Élysee this afternoon.
— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) May 22, 2025
Our meeting focused on strengthening trade and diplomatic cooperation as well as cooperation in multilateral fora.
During the… pic.twitter.com/M5d2fQc3fN
Following a busy week in Washington and France, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile are expected back in the country from Friday.
The Presidency released a statement on Thursday night, saying Ramaphosa and US president Donald Trump agreed to boost bi-lateral trade and investment.
"President Ramaphosa welcomed the expected commencement of trade talks between South Africa and the United States through their respective trade negotiations teams", the statement read.
"President Ramaphosa looks forward to an outcome that will deliver enhanced trade and ensure shared prosperity for both nations."
President Ramaphosa's delegation comprised of Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Roland Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.
The President was also supported by eminent South Africans, including business and labour, Johan Rupert, Founder of Richemont and Chairman of Remgro, Adrian Gore, Vice President of Busa and Discovery CEO, Zingiswa Losi, President of Cosatu, Ernie Els, South African Professional Golfer and Retief Goosen, South African Professional Golfer.
