Deputy President Mashatile's working visit to Türkiye set to strengthen bilateral ties
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to embark on a working visit to the Republic of Türkiye on 15 October 2025.
Mashatile will co-chair the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) aimed at consolidating political, economic, and social cooperation between the two nations.
This event will take place in the Turkish capital of Ankara.
The formation of the BNC is in line with an agreement signed in 2012 that established a framework for cooperation at the Deputy President and Vice-President levels.
The BNC will serve as a structured platform to enhance partnerships across various sectors.
The primary goal is to facilitate high-level dialogue and joint decision-making between South Africa and Türkiye, allowing both countries to address long-standing agreements and explore new areas of collaboration.
Among the anticipated outcomes are several key cooperation agreements, spanning the political, economic, social, justice, and security sectors.
In addition to his crucial role at the BNC, Deputy President Mashatile will also honour the legacy of Türkiye’s founder and first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, by visiting the esteemed Antakabir Mausoleum.
His visit will include a one-on-one meeting with Vice President Yılmaz, as well as a courtesy call on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, further solidifying diplomatic relations.
Following the deliberations in Ankara, Deputy President Mashatile will travel to Istanbul for further economic diplomacy engagements.
He is scheduled to address the 5th biennial Türkiye-Africa Business Forum (TABEF) taking place on 16-17 October 2025.
This forum presents a vital opportunity for South Africa to elevate its trade relations with Türkiye, affirming its status as the largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
At TABEF, Deputy President Mashatile will engage with investors interested in the South African market and participate in the South Africa-Türkiye Business Council, paving the way for mutually beneficial economic investments. Moreover, he will conclude the forum by addressing its closing ceremony on October 17, 2025.
IOL News