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Theforeign relations of South Africahave spanned from the country's time as aDominionof theBritish Empireto its isolationist policies underapartheidto its position as a responsible international actor taking a key role in Africa, particularly Southern Africa. South Africa is a member of the United Nations, theAfrican Unionand theCommonwealth of Nations.Considered apossible permanent additionto theUnited Nations Security Council,South Africawas elected in 2006,2010and2018by theUN General Assemblyto serve on the Security Council.[1][2]South African PresidentCyril Ramaphosawas the chair of theAfrican Unionfrom 2020 to 2021, the second time South Africa has chaired the organisation since its formation in 2003.[3]

History[edit]

Pre-apartheid[edit]

South Africa, as a key member of theBritish EmpireandCommonwealthas aDominion,fought alongside the United Kingdom and the Allies in bothWorld War IandWorld War II,and it participated in the postwar UN force in theKorean War.South Africa was a founding member of theLeague of Nationsand in 1927 established a Department of External Affairs withdiplomatic missionsin the main Western European countries and in the United States.

Apartheid (1948–1994)[edit]

Main article:Foreign relations of apartheid South Africa

South Africa introducedapartheidin 1948, as a systematic extension of pre-existingracial discriminationin the country. As a result, the country became increasingly isolated internationally until apartheid was abolished in 1991 and racial equality introduced between 1990 and 1993. This transition produced a change in South Africa's foreign policy. The country stopped trying to regain regional hegemony and started to behave as a central hub for co-operation as a regional unipole.

Post-apartheid (since 1994)[edit]

Having emerged from theinternational isolationof the apartheid era, South Africa has become a leading international actor. Its principal foreign policy objective is to develop good relations with all countries, especially its neighbours in theSouthern African Development Community(*-see note below) and the other members of the African Union. South Africa has played a key role in seeking an end to various conflicts and political crises on the African continent, including inBurundi,theDemocratic Republic of Congo,theComoros,andZimbabwe.In August 1998, South Africa assumed the chair of theNon-Aligned Movement,which it relinquished in July 2002.

Eswatinihas asked South Africa to open negotiations on reincorporating some nearby South African territories that are populated by ethnicSwazisor that were long ago part of the Swazi kingdom.

Commonwealth of Nations[edit]

South Africa was aDominionof the British Empire and the Commonwealth from 1910 until 1961.

South Africa was a republic outside the Commonwealth from 1961 to 1994, then it became arepublic in the Commonwealth of Nationson 1 June 1994.

United Nations Security Council[edit]

South Africa was a non-permanent member of theUnited Nations Security Councilfrom October 2006 until 2008.

South African votes in the UNSC have not been without controversy. In particular, a 'no' vote on a resolution criticising theBurmesegovernment attracted widespread criticism.[4]

Diplomatic relations[edit]

List of countries which South Africa maintains diplomatic relations with:

# Country Date[5][6][7]
1 Italy 31 October 1929[8]
2 United States 5 November 1929[9]
3 Netherlands 25 November 1929[10][11]
4 United Kingdom 17 March 1931[12]
5 Belgium 28 August 1933[13]
6 France 5 November 1934[14]
7 Sweden 30 November 1934[15][16]
8 Portugal 1934[15]
9 Canada 11 September 1939[17]
10 Greece 2 September 1941[18]
11 Denmark 1 January 1946[19]
12 Norway 16 June 1946[20]
13 Australia August 1946[21]
14 Argentina 10 September 1947[22]
15 Brazil 31 January 1948[23]
16 Chile May 1948[24]
17 Finland 15 May 1949[25]
18 Luxembourg 1949[26]
19 Germany February 1951[27]
20 Spain 18 May 1951[28]
21 Switzerland 11 March 1952[29]
22 Austria 5 October 1955[30]
23 Bolivia 1967[31]
24 Malawi 1 January 1968[32]
25 Uruguay 22 April 1968[33]
26 Paraguay 3 April 1974[34]
27 Israel January 1975[35]
28 Hungary 24 July 1991[36]
29 Estonia 4 November 1991[37]
30 Latvia 4 November 1991[38]
31 Lithuania 20 November 1991[39]
32 Romania 21 November 1991[40]
33 Poland 18 December 1991[41]
34 Japan 13 January 1992
35 New Zealand 19 January 1992
36 Kyrgyzstan 26 January 1992[42]
37 Bulgaria 2 February 1992
38 Russia 28 February 1992
39 Belarus 4 March 1992[43]
40 Kazakhstan 5 March 1992
41 Ukraine 16 March 1992[44]
42 Serbia 2 April 1992
43 Azerbaijan 29 April 1992[45]
44 Tajikistan 5 May 1992
45 Kenya 8 May 1992[46]
46 Turkmenistan 11 May 1992[47]
47 Ivory Coast 21 May 1992
48 Lesotho 21 May 1992
49 Moldova 15 June 1992[48]
50 Armenia 23 June 1992[49]
51 Uzbekistan 12 August 1992[50]
52 Democratic Republic of the Congo 30 September 1992
53 Gabon 15 October 1992
54 Turkey 12 October 1992[51]
55 Slovenia 30 October 1992
56 Croatia 19 November 1992[52]
57 South Korea 1 December 1992
58 Czech Republic 1 January 1993
59 Slovakia 1 January 1993[53]
60 Malta 10 February 1993[54]
61 Republic of the Congo 22 March 1993[55]
62 Georgia 23 April 1993[56]
63 San Marino 30 April 1993[57]
64 Equatorial Guinea 5 May 1993
65 Comoros 14 May 1993
66 Peru 28 July 1993[58]
67 Central African Republic 23 August 1993
68 Bahrain 13 September 1993[59]
69 Jordan 28 September 1993[60]
70 Eswatini 1 October 1993
71 Ireland 5 October 1993
72 Mozambique 11 October 1993[61]
73 Singapore 11 October 1993[62]
74 Mexico 27 October 1993
75 Philippines 1 November 1993
76 Seychelles 4 November 1993
77 Malaysia 8 November 1993
78 India 22 November 1993
79 Venezuela 3 December 1993
80 Mauritius 7 December 1993
81 Thailand 9 December 1993[63]
82 Cyprus 10 December 1993
83 Vietnam 22 December 1993[64]
84 Albania December 1993[65]
85 Liechtenstein 1993[66]
86 Barbados 4 January 1994
87 Madagascar 27 January 1994[67]
88 Nigeria 21 February 1994
— Holy See 5 March 1994[68]
89 Cape Verde 4 April 1994
90 Colombia 12 April 1994
91 Pakistan 23 April 1994[67]
92 Cameroon 29 April 1994
93 Egypt 29 April 1994[67]
94 Zimbabwe 29 April 1994[67]
95 Ghana 6 May 1994[69]
96 Senegal 6 May 1994
97 Niger 9 May 1994
98 Algeria 10 May 1994[70]
199 Iran 10 May 1994[71]
100 Morocco 10 May 1994[71]
101 Namibia 10 May 1994
102 São Tomé and Príncipe 10 May 1994
103 Sudan 10 May 1994[67]
104 Zambia 10 May 1994
105 Burkina Faso 11 May 1994[72]
106 Cuba 11 May 1994
107 Qatar 11 May 1994
108 Libya 14 May 1994[73]
119 Mali 16 May 1994
110 United Arab Emirates 17 May 1994[67]
111 Benin 19 May 1994
112 Mongolia 25 May 1994
113 Angola 27 May 1994
114 Iceland 31 May 1994[74]
115 Tunisia May 1994[71]
116 Syria 1 June 1994
117 Botswana 22 June 1994[71]
118 Uganda 24 June 1994
119 Tanzania 18 July 1994[71]
120 Maldives 27 July 1994
121 Bahamas 28 July 1994
122 Nepal 28 July 1994
123 Indonesia 12 August 1994
124 Lebanon 5 September 1994
125 Jamaica 9 September 1994
126 Bangladesh 10 September 1994
127 Sri Lanka 12 September 1994
128 Nicaragua 15 September 1994
129 Afghanistan 19 September 1994
130 Ecuador 22 September 1994
131 Laos 27 September 1994[75]
132 Costa Rica 4 October 1994
133 Papua New Guinea 7 October 1994
134 Guinea-Bissau 11 October 1994
135 Chad 21 October 1994
136 Saudi Arabia 29 October 1994[67]
137 Guyana 4 November 1994
138 Fiji 7 November 1994
139 Mauritania 25 December 1994[76]
140 Ethiopia 6 January 1995[77]
141 Panama 10 January 1995
142 Trinidad and Tobago 10 January 1995
143 Guatemala 12 January 1995
144 Cambodia 26 January 1995
145 Suriname 3 February 1995
— State of Palestine 15 February 1995
146 Guinea 16 February 1995
147 Rwanda 28 February 1995[67]
148 Eritrea 17 March 1995[67]
149 Andorra 22 March 1995[78]
150 Samoa 22 March 1995
151 Bosnia and Herzegovina 23 March 1995
152 Myanmar 20 April 1995
153 Kuwait 20 May 1995[79]
154 Burundi 23 June 1995
155 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1 September 1995
156 Oman October 1995[80]
157 Yemen 3 January 1996
158 Marshall Islands 17 January 1996
159 Djibouti 7 February 1996
— Cook Islands 9 February 1996[81]
160 Honduras 4 March 1996[82]
161 Brunei 4 October 1996
162 Solomon Islands 11 December 1996
163 Federated States of Micronesia 12 December 1996
164 Saint Lucia 12 December 1996
165 Togo 5 January 1997
166 Liberia 10 January 1997
167 Belize 14 May 1997
168 El Salvador 11 November 1997
169 Haiti 9 December 1997
170 China 1 January 1998[83]
171 Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 February 1998
172 Grenada 5 March 1998
173 Dominica 29 April 1998
174 Gambia 7 August 1998
175 North Korea 10 August 1998
176 Sierra Leone 21 August 1998[67]
177 Iraq 25 August 1998[67]
178 Vanuatu 6 July 1999
179 Kiribati 30 August 1999
180 Tonga 1 September 1999
181 Dominican Republic 9 May 2002[84]
182 East Timor 3 February 2003[67]
183 Antigua and Barbuda 17 February 2004
184 Palau 24 August 2004
— Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic 15 September 2004[67]
185 Montenegro 11 October 2006[85]
186 Monaco 19 January 2011[86]
187 South Sudan 21 September 2011[87]
188 Somalia 13 March 2012[88]
189 North Macedonia 18 September 2023[89]

Bilateral relations[edit]

Africa[edit]

State Formal relations began Notes
Algeria 10 May 1994 SeeAlgeria–South Africa relations
Angola 27 May 1994 SeeAngola–South Africa relations

South Africa relations are quite strong, as the ruling parties in both nations – theAfrican National Congressin South Africa and theMPLAin Angola – fought together during theAngolan Civil WarandSouth African Border War.They fought againstUNITArebels, based in Angola, and theapartheid-era government in South Africa who supported them.Nelson Mandelamediated between the MPLA and UNITA factions during the last years of Angola's civil war.

Botswana 22 June 1994 SeeBotswana–South Africa relations
  • Botswana has a high commission in Pretoria and consulates-general in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission inGaborone.
Egypt SeeEgypt–South Africa relations
  • Egypt has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inCairo.
Eswatini 1 October 1993 SeeEswatini–South Africa relations
  • Eswatini has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission inMbabane.
Ghana 6 May 1994 SeeGhana–South Africa relations
  • Ghana has a high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a high commission inAccra.
Kenya 12 April 1994 SeeKenya–South Africa relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a high commission inNairobi.
Lesotho 21 May 1992 SeeLesotho–South Africa relations
  • Lesotho has a high commission in Pretoria and consulates-general in Cape Town and Durban and consulates inKlerksdorpandWelkom.
  • South Africa has a high commission inMaseru.
Libya 10 May 1994 SeeLibya–South Africa relations
  • Libya has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is accredited to Libya from its embassy in Tunis, Tunisia.
Madagascar 27 January 1994 SeeMadagascar–South Africa relations
  • Madagascar has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has an embassy inAntananarivo.
Malawi 10 September 1967 SeeMalawi–South Africa relations

Since South Africa and Malawi had their first democratic elections in 1994, Malawi and South Africa have enhanced relations. In 2008, the two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to enhance the relationship between the two countries through enhanced security cooperation.[90]

  • Malawi has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission inLilongwe.
Mozambique 26 September 1993 SeeMozambique–South Africa relations
  • Mozambique has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg and consulates in Cape Town, Durban and Nelspruit.
  • South Africa has a high commission inMaputo.
Namibia 10 May 1994 SeeNamibia–South Africa relations

Upon independence in 1990, Namibia's economy was still tied to South Africa's.[91]To this day, theeconomy of Namibiais still closely contacted to South Africa through both institutional relationships (Southern African Customs Union,for example) and privately owned mining concessions.[92]TheSouth African randis still legal currency within Namibia (while theNamibian dollaris not so in South Africa), and the currencies are traded on par locally.

  • Namibia has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has a high commission inWindhoek.
Nigeria 10 May 1994 SeeNigeria–South Africa relations
  • Nigeria has a high commission in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa has a high commission inAbujaand a consulate-general inLagos.
Zambia 10 May 1994 SeeSouth Africa–Zambia relations
  • South Africa has a high commission inLusaka.
  • Zambia has a high commission in Pretoria
Zimbabwe 29 April 1994 SeeSouth Africa–Zimbabwe relations

The Government of Zimbabwe took a particular interest in the search for independence forNamibia(South-West Africa) from South Africa. In addition, as chairman of thefront-line statesin southern Africa, Zimbabwe spoke out vigorously against the policies ofapartheidin South Africa and frequently called for the imposition of economic sanctions against the government. However, whilst supporting democratic change in South Africa, Mugabe did not support the idea of Zimbabwe being used as a base for anti-South African guerillas.[93]

In recent years, following the political crisis in the country, the ex-presidentThabo Mbekimediated with the MDC and Zanu PF to form a unity government, and often remained silent on the issues in Zimbabwe, which drew criticism.[94]Following acholera outbreak in Zimbabwe,the ruling ANC in South Africa became impatient and has urged the parties to form a unity government.[95]

  • South Africa has an embassy inHarare.
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Johannesburg.

Americas[edit]

State Formal relations began Notes
Antigua and Barbuda 26 June 2004
Argentina 10 September 1947 (broke off 22 May 1986, Restored 8 August 1991) SeeArgentina–South Africa relations
  • Diplomatic relations were cut off in 1982 with theFalklands War.Full diplomatic relations between both countries were re-established in August 1991.
  • Argentina has an embassy in Pretoria[97]
  • South Africa has an embassy inBuenos Aires.[98]
  • Both countries are members of theCairns Group.
  • List of Treaties ruling relations Argentina and South Africa (Argentine Foreign Ministry, in Spanish).[99]
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Argentina.[100]
Belize 14 May 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1997.[101]
  • Belize does not have any representation in South Africa.[102]
  • South Africa is represented in Belize by its High Commission inKingston, Jamaica.[103]
Bolivia 1967 SeeBolivia–South Africa relations
  • Bolivia maintains an honorary consulate in Johannesburg.
  • South Africa is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Lima, Peru.
Brazil 28 October 1947 SeeBrazil–South Africa relations

Brazilhas provided military assistance to South Africa in the form of warfare training and logistics. Bilateral relations between the countries have recently increased, as a result of Brazil's newSouth-Southforeign policyaimed to strengthenintegrationbetween the major powers of thedeveloping world.

Canada 11 September 1939 SeeCanada–South Africa relations

Canada established its diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1939, along with other nations, due to the outbreak ofWorld War II.Canada actively encouraged the end ofApartheid in South Africaand the countries have had normal relations since then. TheConstitution of South Africawas, in part, inspired by theConstitution of Canada,particularly theCanadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Former South African PresidentNelson Mandelamade an official state visit to Canada in September 1998. Mandela was made anhonorary Canadian citizen,during his second visit to Canada. A 2003 visit by PresidentThabo Mbekiin November 2003, the Joint Declaration of Intent was signed to strengthen relations between the two countries. Canada has assisted South Africa in the areas of development (over$200 million) and the fight againstAIDS in South Africaand to strengthen services provided by theGovernment of South Africa.Trade between the two countries totalled $1.8 billion in 2008.[104]

Canada and South Africa are both member states of theCommonwealth of Nations.

Cuba 11 May 1994 SeeCuba–South Africa relations
  • Cuba has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inHavana.
Dominica 29 April 1998

Both countries are members of theCommonwealth of Nations.Diplomatic relations were established on 29 April 1998.[105]

Guyana 4 November 1994
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 November 1994.[106]
  • South Africa is represented in Guyana through its High Commission inKingston, Jamaica.[106]
Mexico 27 October 1993 SeeMexico–South Africa relations

There were no official relations between Mexico and South Africa before 1993. After the birth of democracy in South Africa, the countries established relations.

Panama 10 January 1995
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1995.[109][110]
  • Panama opened an embassy inPretoriain August 2000.[109]
  • South Africa is represented in Panama through its embassy inLima,Peru.[109]
Trinidad and Tobago 10 January 1995 SeeSouth Africa-Trinidad and Tobago relations

Relations betweenTrinidad and Tobagoand South Africa started after the apartheid ended.

  • South Africa is accredited to Trinidad and Tobago from its high commission in Kingston, Jamaica.
  • Trinidad and Tobago has a High Commission inPretoria
United States 5 November 1929 SeeSouth Africa–United States relations

The United States has maintained an official presence in South Africa since 1799, when a US consulate was opened inCape Town.The US Embassy is located inPretoria,and consulates general are inJohannesburg,Durbanand Cape Town. South Africans and the US also have many non-governmental ties: USmissionaries,for example, have a long history of activity in South Africa. South Africans (particularly the ANC leadership) also acknowledge support from and ties to the anti-apartheidmovement in the US.[111]

Uruguay 22 April 1968 SeeSouth Africa–Uruguay relations
  • South Africa is accredited to Uruguay from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Uruguay has an embassy in Pretoria.

Asia[edit]

State Formal relations began Notes
Armenia 23 June 1992
  • Diplomatic relations betweenArmeniaand South Africa were established on 23 June 1993.[112]
  • Armenia is represented in South Africa through its embassy inCairo,Egypt.[113]
  • South Africa is represented in Armenia through its embassy inKyiv,Ukraine.[113]
Azerbaijan 29 April 1992[114] SeeAzerbaijan–South Africa relations
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is represented in Azerbaijan through its embassy inAnkara,Turkey.
China 1 January 1998 SeeChina–South Africa relations
  • Date started: January 1998
  • China has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Beijing and a consulate-general in both Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Despite Pretoria's long relationship with the government in Taiwan and late recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1998 the two countries currently enjoy an increasingly close relationship. Increasingly numerous official visits to each other's countries by their respective officials and rapidly increasing trade between the two countries has drawn them ever increasingly together.

India 22 November 1993 (before from 1 January 1941 to 1 July 1954, when diplomatic relations were broke off) SeeIndia–South Africa relations

There is a major resident Indian community in South Africa that made a significant contribution to the struggle forcivil rights;Indian leaderMahatma Gandhipioneered the non-violentcivil disobediencein the struggle of Indian people for civil rights in the 1890s and 1900s.[115]Indians also contributed to theAfrican National Congress's struggle against the apartheid regime. The Indian government was an outspoken critic of the apartheid-era South African government, refusing to maintain diplomatic relations.[116]India's support evoked goodwill in South Africa and other African countries.[116]

Indonesia 12 August 1994 SeeIndonesia–South Africa relations
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inJakarta.
Iran 10 May 1994 (before from 13 November 1970 to 4 March 1979 were relations at Consulate General level) SeeIran–South Africa relations

South Africa and Iran share historical bilateral relations and the latter supported the South Africanliberation movements.It severed official relations with South Africa in 1979 and imposed a trade boycott in protest against the country'sapartheidpolicies. However, in January 1994, Iran lifted all trade and economic sanctions against South Africa and diplomatic relations were reestablished on 10 May 1994.[117]

Israel 29 November 1950 SeeIsrael–South Africa relations

FormerANCleaderNelson Mandelafirst visited Israel in 1999. Mandela said: "To the many people who have questioned why I came, I say: Israel worked very closely with the apartheid regime. I say: I've made peace with many men who slaughtered our people like animals. Israel cooperated with the apartheid regime, but it did not participate in any atrocities".[118]Then Israeli Deputy Prime MinisterEhud Olmertvisited South Africa in 2004,[119]meeting with South African PresidentThabo Mbeki,the first visit by an Israeli leader since the end of apartheid.

Japan 13 January 1992 (before from 25 January 1937 to 8 December 1941 were diplomatic relations, restored in 1952, but only Consulate General level)

SeeJapan–South Africa relations

  • Japan has an embassy inPretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Tokyo.
North Korea 10 August 1998 SeeNorth Korea–South Africa relations
Pakistan 23 April 1994 SeePakistan–South Africa relations
Qatar 10 May 1994 SeeQatar–South Africa relations
Saudi Arabia 1994

SeeSaudi Arabia–South Africa relations

  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy inPretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inRiyadh.
South Korea 1 December 1992[120] SeeForeign relations of South Korea
Sri Lanka 16 September 1994 SeeSri Lanka–South Africa relations
  • Date started: 12 September 1999 (newly formed)
  • Sri Lanka has a High Commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a High Commission in Colombo.
Taiwan 26 April 1976 – 31 December 1997 SeeSouth Africa–Taiwan relations
  • Period of recognition: 1949 – January 1998
  • Taiwan has a Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a Taiwan Liaison Office inTaipei.

Relations were established between the two countries in 1949 and grew considerably after 1971 until South Africa announced that it would switch recognition from the government in Taipei to the People's Republic of China in December 1996.

Turkey 12 October 1992 SeeSouth Africa–Turkey relations

Europe[edit]

See also:South Africa–European Union relations
State Formal relations began Notes
Albania 20 November 1992

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.[123]

Belarus 4 March 1993
  • Belarus has an embassy inPretoria[124]
  • South Africa is accredited to Belarus from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.[124]
Bulgaria 2 February 1992 SeeBulgaria–South Africa relations

Interest Offices between South Africa and Bulgaria were opened initially in November 1990 and full diplomatic relations was established on 2 February 1992. Bulgaria has an embassy inPretoriaand South Africa is represented in Bulgaria through its embassy in Sofia.

  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Bulgaria.[125]
Cyprus 10 December 1993
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1993.[126][127]
  • Cyprus has a High Commission inPretoria.[128]
  • South Africa is represented in Cyprus through its embassy inAthens,Greece.[126]
Denmark SeeDenmark-South Africa relations
European Union SeeSouth Africa–European Union relations
  • South Africa has strong cultural and historical links to theEuropean Union(EU) (particularly through immigration from theNetherlands,the United Kingdom, Germany, France, andGreece) and the EU is South Africa's biggest investor.[129]
  • Since the end of South Africa'sapartheid,EU – South African relations have flourished and they began a "Strategic Partnership" in 2007. In 1999 the two sides signed a Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) which entered into force in 2004, with some provisions being applied from 2000. The TDCA covered a wide range of issues from political cooperation, development and the establishment of afree trade area(FTA).[129]
  • South Africa is the EU's largest trading partner in Southern Africa and has a FTA with the EU. South Africa's main exports to the EU are fuels and mining products (27%), machinery and transport equipment (18%) and other semi-manufactured goods (16%). However they are growing and becoming more diverse. European exports to South Africa are primarily machinery & transport equipment (50%), chemicals (15%) and other semi-machinery (10%).[130]
Finland 15 May 1949 SeeFinland–South Africa relations
  • A South African legation was established in 1967 and relations were then upgraded to ambassadorial level in March 1991. Finland has an embassy in Pretoria, a general consulate inJohannesburgand a consulate inCape Town.South Africa is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. DuringWorld War IISouth Africa declared war on Finland.
France 5 November 1934 ( broken diplomatic relations from 23 April 1942 to 13 December 1944) SeeFrance–South Africa relations
  • France has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
  • South Africa has an embassy inParis.
Germany 14 August 1951 ( before from 1933 to 6 September 1939 were diplomatic relations) SeeGermany–South Africa relations
  • Germany has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inBerlin.
Greece 2 September 1941 SeeGreece–South Africa relations
Ireland 5 October 1993 SeeIreland–South Africa relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inDublin.
Italy 31 October 1929, broken 10 June 1940, Restored 18 March 1946) SeeItaly–South Africa relations
  • Italy has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inRome.
Montenegro 11 October 2006

South Africa recognized Montenegro on 6 July 2006.[131]Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 October 2006.[131]

Netherlands 15 August 1929 SeeNetherlands–South Africa relations
North Macedonia no diplomatic relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in October 1995.[135]
  • South Africa still uses the name Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in accordance with UN practice.[135]
  • South Africa is represented in North Macedonia by its embassy inAthensGreece.[135]
Poland 18 December 1991 SeePoland–South Africa relations
  • Poland has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inWarsaw.
Portugal 1934 SeePortugal–South Africa relations
  • Portugal has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy inLisbon.
Russia 1942 SeeRussia–South Africa relations
Serbia 4 February 1992 SeeSerbia–South Africa relations
Spain 18 May 1951 SeeSouth Africa–Spain relations
  • South Africa has an embassy inMadrid.
  • Spain has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
Switzerland 14 December 1951 SeeSouth Africa – Switzerland relations
  • South Africa has an embassy inBernand a general consulate inGeneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Pretoria and a general consulate in Cape Town.
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Switzerland.[140]
  • Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with South Africa.[141]
Ukraine 16 March 1992 SeeSouth Africa–Ukraine relations
  • South Africa established its embassy inKyivin October 1992.
  • Ukraine established its embassy inPretoriain 1995.[142]
  • South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Ukraine.[143]
United Kingdom 1 October 1929 SeeSouth Africa–United Kingdom relations
  • South Africa and the United Kingdom have a shared history, cultural links and similar systems of law and finance.
  • South Africa is the UK's largest trade partner in Africa and an important partner for the UK in a number of areas. The two countries also have a bilateral forum where representatives meet on a bi-annual basis so as to enhance economic and political relations.[144]
  • There are large numbers of South Africans living in the UK. There is also a large number of British citizens and people of British descent living in South Africa.
  • As of 2013 the UK is the top direct foreign investor in the South African economy and is also one of the largest export markets for South Africa.[145]

Oceania[edit]

State Formal relations began Notes
Australia 8 May 1946 SeeAustralia–South Africa relations
  • Date started: 1947
  • Australia has a High Commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a High Commission inCanberra.
Nauru no diplomatic relations

South Africa is in the process of establishing diplomatic relations on a non-residential basis.[146]

New Zealand 19 January 1994 SeeNew Zealand–South Africa relations
  • New Zealand has a high commission in Pretoria.[147]
  • South Africa has a high commission inWellington.[148]
Solomon Islands 11 December 1996

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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