Telephone conversation between Nafti and Ronald Lamola: towards strengthening Tunisian-South African cooperation

Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, held a phone call with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, on June 13, 2026. The conversation highlighted the long-standing and strong relations between Tunisia and South Africa. Both ministers acknowledged the importance of thorough preparation for upcoming bilateral engagements to inject new dynamism into their relationship. They expressed a desire to leverage existing potential for developing trade exchanges and capitalize on opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The recent successful working visit of AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene to Tunisia was noted. Ministers Nafti and Lamola underscored their mutual commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation across economic, cultural, and scientific sectors. They also aim to diversify cooperation into high-value-added areas such as information and communication technologies and digitalization. South Africa's Minister Lamola paid tribute to Tunisia's historical support for the anti-Apartheid struggle and its backing of Nelson Mandela. On the multilateral front, the ministers stressed the importance of reinforcing African Union mechanisms to bolster security, stability, and development across the continent. They also addressed the issue of illegal migration, advocating for a comprehensive approach that considers root causes and mitigation strategies. Furthermore, both nations agreed to coordinate their positions in regional and international forums and to support each other's candidacies for leadership positions within international organizations.

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The two Ministers welcomed the old and solid relations uniting Tunisia and South Africa.