Mashatile Strengthens South Africa–Türkiye Ties in Landmark Visit

The centrepiece of the Deputy President’s visit was his co-chairing of the first-ever BNC in Ankara on Wednesday alongside Türkiye’s Vice-President, Cevdet Yılmaz.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading a high-level delegation to Türkiye as part of a pivotal working visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and unlocking economic opportunities between South Africa and Türkiye. On Friday, Mashatile is scheduled to deliver keynote addresses at both the South Africa–Türkiye Business Council and the 5th Biennial Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum, hosted in Istanbul.

These engagements are part of a broader diplomatic mission anchored around the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two nations, a mechanism envisioned in a 2012 bilateral agreement to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and social sectors. The BNC, now formally launched, is co-chaired at the level of Deputy President and Vice-President, respectively.

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Inaugural Bi-National Commission: A New Chapter in SA–Türkiye Relations

The centrepiece of the Deputy President's visit was his co-chairing of the first-ever BNC in Ankara on Wednesday alongside Türkiye's Vice-President, Cevdet Yılmaz. The BNC culminated in a landmark signing ceremony, which formalised several agreements designed to bolster trade, education, and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Among the notable outcomes were:

• Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO)

• Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of higher education and training, as well as special economic zones and free zones

These agreements signify a strategic commitment to fostering bilateral trade and investment flows, while also facilitating academic and technological cooperation.

"This marks a turning point in our diplomatic and economic engagement. We are laying a strong foundation for long-term collaboration," said Deputy President Mashatile.

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Mobilising Investment: ATA Holding and Strategic Sector Dialogues

On Thursday, the Deputy President led the second day of bilateral engagements in Türkiye, with a key highlight being his meeting with the leadership of ATA Holding Group, chaired by Korhan Kurdoğlu. The company expressed a keen interest in investing in South Africa across multiple strategic sectors.

Their proposed areas of investment include:

• Food production and agribusiness

• Cold chain logistics and distribution

• Digital transformation and innovation

• Science and technology partnerships

• Infrastructure development

• Financial services and co-investments

• Sports, arts, culture, and tourism development

The investment discussions underscore South Africa's appeal as an emerging market destination for Turkish capital, particularly in sectors aligned with the country's reindustrialisation and digital economy strategies.

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Defence, Trade and Technology: Expanding Strategic Cooperation

The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) facilitated several high-level sectoral engagements, including:

• A bilateral meeting with Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI/TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries), focusing on aerospace and defence collaboration

• Discussions with Ahmet Akyol, CEO and President of Aselsan, Türkiye's largest defence electronics company

These meetings are expected to yield potential technology transfer, R&D cooperation, and joint manufacturing opportunities, further integrating South Africa into global high-tech value chains.

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Honouring History and Building Bridges

Demonstrating respect for Türkiye's historical legacy, Deputy President Mashatile visited the Anıtkabir Mausoleum in Ankara, the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first President of modern Türkiye. He laid a wreath and delivered a tribute that connected historical reverence to contemporary diplomacy.

"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 during the ceremonial visit.

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A Pan-African Voice in Global Economic Dialogue

At the 5th Biennial Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum, Mashatile is expected to articulate South Africa's vision for deeper Africa–Türkiye economic integration. His remarks will emphasize mutual growth, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and the promotion of regional value chains.

The Deputy President's keynote at the South Africa–Türkiye Business Council will spotlight bilateral investment opportunities, as well as the need for policy alignment, ease of doing business, and co-financing mechanisms to strengthen commercial ties.

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High-Level Delegation Underscores Strategic Importance

Mashatile's working visit is supported by a formidable delegation of senior cabinet members, reflecting the multi-sectoral scope of the engagements. These include:

• Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

• Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition

• Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

• Patricia De Lille, Minister of Tourism

• Nokuzola Capa, Deputy Minister of Agriculture

• Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture

• Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

This collective ministerial presence signifies South Africa's strategic intent to elevate Türkiye as a priority partner in its international relations, trade, and economic agenda.

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Looking Ahead: From Bilateral Engagements to Tangible Outcomes

As the engagements unfold in Istanbul, South Africa is poised to build on the diplomatic gains of this visit by facilitating follow-through mechanisms, such as JETCO meetings, investment missions, and technical working groups.

The BNC and associated forums will serve as permanent platforms for strategic dialogue, ensuring that the agreements signed translate into concrete projects, trade growth, and job creation.

"Our task now is to operationalise these partnerships and deliver real outcomes for our citizens," Mashatile concluded.