Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Türkiye to boost South Africa–Türkiye cooperation and trade
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading the South African delegation on the second day of a working visit to Türkiye, where Pretoria and Ankara are strengthening political, economic and trade ties through a series of high-level engagements.
On Thursday, Mashatile met with the ATA Holding Group, led by chairman Korhan Kurdoğlu, who expressed the company’s readiness to invest in South Africa. The group is reportedly eyeing opportunities in food production and agri-business, cold chain logistics, science and technology, digital transformation, infrastructure, financial services, and tourism.
The talks follow Wednesday’s inaugural South Africa–Türkiye Bi-National Commission (BNC), which Mashatile co-chaired in Ankara with Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yılmaz. The BNC concluded with a signing ceremony for several key agreements between the two countries.
These include a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of higher education and training, and another MoU on cooperation in special economic zones and free zones.
Earlier in the day, Mashatile paid tribute to Türkiye’s founding father and first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, by laying a wreath at the Anıtkabir Mausoleum in Ankara.
“I sincerely hope that your immortal spirit will guide our discussions and the high-level dialogue and joint decision-making that our two countries will be engaged in, for mutual development, cooperation and lasting prosperity,” Mashatile said in his message at the site.
The Deputy President’s programme in Türkiye is coordinated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and includes further engagements with Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAŞ), and Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol.
On Friday, 17 October, Mashatile is scheduled to deliver keynote addresses at the South Africa–Türkiye Business Council and at the 5th Biennial Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul.
Mashatile is accompanied by several cabinet members, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, and other deputy ministers.
The visit aims to deepen economic cooperation, promote bilateral investment, and strengthen diplomatic relations between South Africa and Türkiye.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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