The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa says there’s a need for strengthened multilateralism to respond to common global challenges.

Costa was speaking at the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town.

Both South Africa and the EU are grappling with aid and trade issues as US President Donald Trump withdraws assistance and imposes tariffs.

Costa has described South Africa as a strategic EU ally bound by shared values of democracy and human rights.

“In this world of uncertainty, our partnership matter more than ever. This is why today’s summit is so important. And we stand together to help hold the United Nation Charter, advance the Sustainable Development Goals and drive forward global action on climate change, poverty reduction and economic reform,” says Costa.

Video: 8th SA-EU Summit: