EU-South Africa: First Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue took place in Pretoria

On 8 October, the European Union and South Africa held their first Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue in Pretoria, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to deepen their strategic partnership and strengthen cooperation on shared security challenges.

The meeting follows the agreement during the EU–South Africa Summit in Cape Town on 13 March 2025 to establish a dedicated dialogue to facilitate a shared understanding of evolving threats and allow for regular dialogue and cooperation on a wide range of peace, security and defence-related issues.

The discussions focused on the EU’s and South Africa’s approaches to peace, security and defence, and on how their partnership can support regional stability and African-led peace efforts. Both sides exchanged views on conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding, as well as multilateral cooperation and crisis management.

Global and regional security developments were also discussed, including in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, northern Mozambique, Gaza, and Ukraine.

In a positive and constructive atmosphere, the two sides discussed counterterrorism, cybersecurity and hybrid threats, maritime and space security, and efforts to tackle transnational organised crime. They identified scope for closer exchanges between relevant institutions, including on threat analysis and information sharing.

The first dialogue marks a new step in the EU–South Africa Strategic Partnership, providing a dedicated annual platform to identify common priorities and deepen cooperation in support of peace and security.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Mr Cosmin Dobran, acting Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Mr Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Director-General of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).