Ankara: Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in Trkiye to co-chair the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Trkiye. The BNC session, scheduled for Wednesday, marks a significant step in fostering political, economic, and social cooperation between the two nations, as stated by the Presidency.

According to South African Government News Agency, the BNC’s establishment follows an agreement made in 2012, allowing co-chairing at the Deputy President and Vice President levels. Deputy President Mashatile will co-chair this inaugural session with Trkiye’s Vice President, Cevdet Yilmaz. The BNC aims to facilitate high-level dialogue and joint decision-making, providing both countries an opportunity to finalize pending agreements, review existing instruments, and explore new areas for collaboration across various sectors.

The two countries are anticipated to sign several bilateral cooperation agreements during the visit. Deputy President Mashatile will also pay homage at the Anitkabir Mausoleum to Mustafa Kemal Atatrk, the founder and first President of Trkiye. His schedule includes a private meeting with Vice President Yilmaz and a courtesy call on President Recep Erdogan.

Following the BNC, the Deputy President will head to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements. He is set to address the 5th biennial Trkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF), aiming to strengthen trade relations and solidify South Africa’s role as Trkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and a significant partner in both Africa and the Global South.

While in Istanbul, Deputy President Mashatile will also engage in the South Africa-Trkiye Business Council and meet with Turkish investors interested in the South African market. Accompanying him are several key ministers, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, among others.